My Costumes For Kantara Chapter 1 Should Become The Reference Point For The Future: Pragathi Shetty

When Kantara (2022) stormed into cinema history, audiences marvelled at its authenticity—every frame felt lived in.

- A SHARADHAA

But behind that textured world stood someone who rarely steps into the limelight: Pragathi Shetty, the film's costume designer, creative partner and the wife of director Rishab Shetty. Now, with Kantara Chapter 1, Hombale Films' biggest project to date, Pragathi steps onto the grandest stage of her career, shaping a visual universe that stretches back a thousand years.

"I have always seen fashion designing as passion, not livelihood. I wanted to breathe every costume I designed," Pragathi says, her voice carrying the exhilaration of someone who has lived with a project for years. "I didn't think of the scale, I only thought, what is the best I can give? This film tested me physically, emotionally, and mentally, but it also made me stronger."

Pragathi honed her instincts with films like Bell Bottom and 777 Charlie, before truly finding notice with Kantara. "That was just a baby step," she recalls. "Back then, I couldn't even be on the sets regularly since I was expecting my child. I handled the costumes, but missed that on-ground experience. This time, I didn't miss a single day. I was present throughout the 250 days of shooting. That presence gave me another level of connection."

Trust was integral, and Rishab insisted she be part of narrations, discussions, and late-night brainstorming. "He always sees me as a critic. He would say, 'I listen like an audience' and expect me to say what works. That way I could understand the world he wanted to build, and translate that into costumes that felt alive."