The massive, earth-shattering success of Rishab Shetty's period action drama, Kantara: Chapter 1, has not only broken box office records, crossing a staggering ₹650 crore worldwide, but has also rewritten the career trajectory for its cast. Standing out in this new spotlight is the ever-reliable actor, Gulshan Devaiah, whose recent surge in popularity on the IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Stars list has genuinely surprised even him. The actor’s candid, self-deprecating humour about his newfound fame is adding a delightful layer to the whole affair.

A Jump of Epic Proportions: Outranking Top Tier Stars

In a delightful turn of events, Gulshan Devaiah found himself catapulted into the top ranks of the IMDb’s weekly list of Most Popular Indian Stars. The actor, who played the role of the entitled and ruthless King Kulashekara in the prequel, made an unprecedented leap from the 213th rank to secure the 22nd spot. This places him ahead of several leading stars who traditionally dominate such lists, including fan favourites like Mrunal Thakur and Triptii Dimri.

For an actor who has consistently delivered critically acclaimed performances in a diverse range of films and web series, this sudden, sensational attention is a tangible marker of a significant career milestone. The success of Kantara: Chapter 1, which has resonated with audiences across the country, has shone a massive spotlight on its ensemble cast, proving that a compelling, rooted story transcends language barriers and star power conventions. Devaiah himself expressed humorous disbelief over the shift, pointing out the unexpected nature of outranking such established, mainstream names.

The Bikini Shoot Joke: A Touch of Humour Amidst Success

Known for his witty and unfiltered presence on social media, Gulshan Devaiah’s reaction to his soaring popularity has been typically candid. When reflecting on his impressive jump on the IMDb list, the actor jestingly wondered aloud what it would take to climb even higher. His tongue-in-cheek solution? A "bikini shoot" to further boost his profile.

This lighthearted comment, made in the spirit of making light of a serious moment of career recognition, perfectly captures his personality. It’s a playful jab at the sometimes-frivolous nature of fame and the lengths people go to for visibility. While his comment is clearly a joke, it has successfully generated further conversation and media buzz, ensuring his name remains trending. In the age of social media, such genuine, unfiltered humour often connects instantly with the audience, potentially giving his popularity—and, yes, his IMDb ranking—an additional, viral nudge.

The New Box Office Kingmaker

Devaiah’s unexpected ascent underscores a larger trend in Indian cinema: the power of compelling content and pan-Indian collaborations. For years, the actor has been a dependable force, known for inhabiting complex, often grey characters. His performance in Kantara: Chapter 1 as the antagonist is a testament to his acting prowess. His Kannada debut, rooted in the culture of his home state, has become his biggest commercial success to date. This remarkable achievement, propelled by the Kantara phenomenon, firmly establishes Gulshan Devaiah as a significant, high-ranking star—a true "Box Office Kingmaker" whose stock has dramatically risen overnight.
Read Also: K-Ramp: Kiran Abbavaram's Hilarious Ride Hits Theaters This Diwali 2025
Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!
HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!