Getting into films was inevitable, says entrepreneur Anil Shetty

Entrepreneur Anil Shetty is ready to embrace the silver screen. Marking his birthday “with a bold new chapter”, Anil officially announced his entry into the world of cinema — both as an actor and writer. “For some, my leap into films might seem unexpected, yet for me, it feels inevitable. I’ve always admired storytelling in its purest form, and after years of influencing things from behind the scenes, I’m ready to step into the spotlight,” says Anil. “I remember a celebrated name from the Kannada film industry once nudged me towards acting, seeing something in my screen presence. Back then, I chose to stay rooted in my ventures and civic initiatives, but the storyteller inside me never stopped growing. Now, the time just feels right.” Looking ahead, he adds, “I’m still deep in my ventures across fashion, tech, and youth empowerment, having even worked with names like Sunil Shetty and KL Rahul in the past. My entire journey, from startups to social movements, has always been powered by one guiding principle: impact. That very same drive is now fuelling my exploration into cinema,” he says.

‘A fresh, fearless narrative with a cinematic punch’
Meanwhile, sources from the Kannada film industry hint that the script “penned by Anil is anything but ordinary — a fresh, fearless narrative that speaks to contemporary themes with cinematic punch”. Though details around the title and crew remain under wraps, insiders also suggest the project “brings together some of the most exciting creative voices in the industry — in sync with Anil’s forward-thinking energy and disruptive vision”.