IPL 2025: Suniel Shetty stepping into the world of IPL commentary is like adding a pinch of Bollywood masala to cricket’s already spicy mix! The veteran actor, known for his strong ties to cricket through his son-in-law KL Rahul, is making his presence felt in the IPL 2025 season.
While fans are still basking in the thrill of this IPL, another moment that has everyone talking is KL Rahul’s memorable celebration after a big win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Rahul, who is usually reserved, gave fans a rare glimpse of his playful side by recreating a powerful scene from the film Kantara.

This film, with its deep cultural roots, has touched the hearts of many, including Rahul, who took this unique approach to celebrate his victory. And as for Suniel Shetty, he couldn't hold back his excitement for his son-in-law's celebration, saying he was shocked but understood its significance.
It’s not every day that a Bollywood icon like Suniel Shetty turns up in the commentary box for an IPL match. The actor, who has always been closely connected to cricket, is adding his own unique flavor to the game.
With a voice that carries authority, Shetty’s commentary has been a refreshing addition to the IPL 2025 season. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with his cinematic insight, offers viewers a unique perspective. In a recent match between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Shetty's commentary wasn’t just about stats and figures; it brought a new layer of excitement, bridging the world of cricket and entertainment.
KL Rahul’s on-field celebration against Royal Challengers Bengaluru went viral for a reason; it wasn’t just another victory dance. This was something deeper, a tribute to his roots and the cultural impact of the film Kantara.
After hitting the winning six, Rahul drew a circle on the ground, stamping his bat in the center. It was a tribute to the iconic "Bhoota Kola" celebration from Kantara, a film that beautifully portrays Indian culture.
In an interview after the match, Rahul shared the sentiment behind the celebration:
"This is a special place for me, that celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. So, ya just a tiny reminder that this ground, this home, this turf is where I have grown up and this is mine."
For Rahul, it wasn’t just a victory; it was a moment of pride, reminding the world of his strong connection to Bengaluru, his home.
Suniel Shetty, while also a fan of the Kantara celebration, had his own take on Rahul’s rare outburst of emotion. Shetty, who has always seen Rahul as reserved, expressed that he was shocked to see his son-in-law express himself so boldly. But Shetty also acknowledged the importance of such moments, especially for someone as composed as Rahul. It was very important for him to do the celebration, according to Shetty. He is too quiet and doesn't often show that side of himself. This celebration wasn’t just a tribute to a film; it was Rahul’s way of saying, “This is my turf, my home.”
Kantara, which quickly became one of India’s biggest cultural phenomena, brought Indian traditions to the forefront with an authenticity rarely seen in films today. With its deep dive into the 'Bhoota Kola' tradition and its portrayal of India’s rich cultural heritage, Kantara resonated with audiences across the country.
For many, the film served as a reminder of how powerful and significant these regional traditions are in shaping identity. As KL Rahul’s celebration proved, the impact of Kantara goes far beyond the big screen; it has become a cultural symbol.
The highly anticipated prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, is set to release on October 2, 2025, and it promises to dive even deeper into the world of Kantara and its unique storytelling.