Rishab Shetty is gearing up to embark on the creation of the prequel to Kantara, aptly titled Kantara: Chapter 1, rumored to delve into the origin story of the Panjurli daiva. Although Rishab has not officially confirmed this speculation, Rakshit Shetty's response to the first look suggests a narrative focus on the daiva's genesis. The muhurtha for this Hombale Films production took place at the end of November, signaling the imminent commencement of filming.

Having previously conducted auditions for his direction team, Rishab is now actively seeking a diverse cast, extending invitations to both new and experienced actors encompassing a broad age range. The actor-filmmaker is specifically searching for male talents in the age bracket of 30-60 and females aged 18 to 60. The exact number of roles to be filled remains unspecified. Aspiring actors are encouraged to submit their profiles through the film's official site, with shortlisted candidates subsequently invited for auditions.

Responding promptly to Rishab's casting call is Payal Rajput, expressing her deep interest in contributing to this esteemed project. In a public statement, she remarked, "I am keen to offer my skills to this esteemed venture, and I am reaching out to seek guidance on the audition process for this exciting project." Payal, known for her recent film Mangalavaram, emphasized her enthusiasm, stating, "I don't mind doing an audition for the film because I am desperate to be part of this remarkable project."

Addressing the viral response to her tweet seeking a role in 'Kantara: Chapter 1,' Payal clarified that she views herself as a job seeker in the industry, determined to carve a niche for herself through meaningful roles. Drawing inspiration from actresses like Taapsee and Neena Gupta, who have previously expressed their career aspirations on social media, Payal emphasized her commitment to auditions and her eagerness to work with Rishab Shetty, citing his excellent performances.

Regarding her current stance in Tollywood after Mangalavaram, Payal revealed that she is receiving multiple offers but is deliberately taking her time to select a role that aligns with her career goals. With the success of 'Mangalavaram' elevating her profile, she expressed a preference for patiently waiting for a substantial role rather than hastily accepting poorly-etched characters. Recognizing the challenges for young actresses, she affirmed her commitment to the Telugu cinema, stating her desire to establish herself in the industry.