# Gulshan Devaiah's IMDb Surprise: From Rank 213 to 22 with Kantara Chapter 1 – And Yes, Remuneration Will Improve!
In the whirlwind world of Indian cinema, where blockbusters redefine careers overnight, Gulshan Devaiah is having one heck of a moment. The versatile actor, best known for his intense roles in Hindi films like *Hunterrr*, *Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota*, and the web series *Guns & Gulaabs*, has just stepped into the spotlight with his Kannada debut in *Kantara: Chapter 1*. Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, the mythological action prequel has shattered records, grossing over ₹650 crore worldwide and surpassing even *Baahubali*'s benchmarks. But beyond the box office fireworks, it's Gulshan's unexpected climb on IMDb's Most Popular Indian Stars list that's got everyone – including him – chuckling in disbelief.
In a candid interview with Hindustan Times, Gulshan couldn't hide his amusement at outranking A-listers like Mrunal Thakur and Triptii Dimri. "I am above Mrunal Thakur and Triptii Dimri. How can that be?" he quipped, before adding with his signature wit, "Thoda remuneration improve hoga" – a cheeky nod to how this viral fame might finally bump up his paychecks. From rank 213 to a stellar 22nd spot, all thanks to the global buzz around *Kantara Chapter 1*, Gulshan's rise is a testament to how one powerhouse performance can rewrite the rules of stardom.
## The *Kantara Chapter 1* Phenomenon: A Game-Changer for Gulshan
Released on October 2, 2025, *Kantara: Chapter 1* is a prequel to the 2022 National Award-winning *Kantara*, diving deeper into the lore of Karnataka's Kadamba dynasty. Set against lush forests and ancient rituals, the film pits tribal guardians against tyrannical rulers, blending folklore, high-octane action, and spiritual depth. Rishab Shetty, who writes, directs, and leads as the tribal protector Berme, delivers a career-defining triple threat. But it's Gulshan as the antagonist King Kulashekhara – a destructive, entitled royal who's equal parts menacing and comically clueless – that's stealing thunder.
Gulshan reportedly pocketed around ₹1 crore for the role, a solid fee but nothing compared to Rishab's whopping ₹100 crore payday. Yet, the film's success – crossing ₹100 crore in just two days and hitting ₹450 crore in 12 – has fans raving about his "quirky villain" vibe. On X, users are calling him "the first Gulshan Devaiah," likening his performance to Al Pacino's intensity but with a desi twist. One tweet gushed: "Gulshan Devaiah is absolutely amazing. Extremely impactful performance. Loved the character."
The IMDb surge? It's based on search trends from 200 million users worldwide, with *Kantara*'s cast dominating the list. Rishab Shetty hit No. 3, Rukmini Vasanth No. 5, and Gulshan? A surprising 22. "Jaise 213 se 22 mein jump kiya maine. Toh main kuch aise thoda bikini shoot karunga toh shayad main aur upar mein jaunga," he joked in another chat, poking fun at the algorithm's whims.
## Beyond the Rankings: What This Means for Gulshan's Career
Gulshan isn't one to get swept up in the hype – he's all about the craft. "I enjoy appreciation, it makes remuneration aur profile thoda improve hoga," he told Times Now, acknowledging the tangible perks without losing his grounded vibe. This isn't his first rodeo with acclaim; from his breakout in *That Girl in Yellow Boots* to recent turns in *Ulajh* and *Guns & Gulaabs*, he's built a rep for nuanced, often edgy characters. But *Kantara* marks his pan-India leap, earning him love from regional audiences who now "own" him, as one fan put it – a sentiment he gracefully flipped to: "I belong to cinema."
The film's technical wizardry – stunning VFX, Arvind S Kashyap's cinematography, and Ajaneesh Loknath's score – elevates Gulshan's role into something unforgettable. Critics and fans alike praise his forest confrontation scene as "clap-worthy," blending humor with horror in a way that's pure Gulshan. Even Anupam Kher was left "speechless," calling it a "magical brilliance."
| IMDb Milestone | Before Kantara | After Release | Outranked Stars |
|----------------|----------------|---------------|-----------------|
| Gulshan's Rank | #213 | #22 | Mrunal Thakur, Triptii Dimri |
## The Bigger Picture: Pan-India Fame and Future Horizons
*Kantara Chapter 1* isn't just a win for Hombale Films; it's a blueprint for cross-cultural storytelling. Gulshan's collaboration with Rishab was "one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences" of his career, born from mutual admiration during their first meeting. Now, with whispers of Telugu and Tamil debuts (he's eyeing projects with Samantha Ruth Prabhu or Sai Pallavi), the doors are wide open.
Yet, Gulshan stays level-headed amid the frenzy. Responding to box office comparisons, he shrugged off the PR wars: "So many people came out and appreciate our film... that’s exactly how it should be." As *Kantara Chapter 2* gears up, one thing's clear: This IMDb leap isn't a fluke – it's the start of Gulshan Devaiah owning the big leagues, one "entitled rubbish" villain at a time.
For fans, it's a reminder that true breakthroughs come from bold choices. Gulshan's surprise? It's ours too – but hey, if it means better pay and more magic on screen, we're all in. What's next for this underdog turned chart-topper? Only time (and maybe another bikini joke) will tell.
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