Tragedy strikes Kantara: Chapter 1 set as junior artist drowns; production faces series of setbacks

The shoot of Kantara: Chapter 1, the much-anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, has been marred by tragedy. On Tuesday, May 6, a junior artist named M.F. Kapil drowned in the Souparnika River in Kollur, Karnataka, during a break in the film’s shoot.

The incident has temporarily halted production and added to a string of misfortunes faced by the film’s crew.

Also Read: Jijabai in Rishab Shetty's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Madhuri Dixit, Mrunal Thakur or...?

Junior Artist Drowns During Break

Kapil, an aspiring actor from Kerala, reportedly entered the river for a swim during lunch. Eyewitnesses said he was swept away by strong currents. A swift search and rescue operation was launched by the fire department and local authorities. Sadly, his body was recovered later that evening.

Police have registered a case at the Kollur police station, and an investigation is ongoing to understand the circumstances that led to the drowning.

Previous Setbacks for the Film Crew

This is not the first hurdle for the Kantara: Chapter 1 team. The production has faced multiple challenges, including:

• Vehicle Mishap: A bus transporting junior artists overturned in Kollur recently. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

• Weather Damage: Severe winds and rains previously destroyed an elaborate set, causing delays.

• Environmental Scrutiny: The crew was also questioned by forest officials over alleged disruption of the natural habitat during filming in ecologically sensitive areas.

About Kantara: Chapter 1

Directed, written, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 is a period fantasy action drama set during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty in Banavasi. In the prequel, Shetty plays a Naga Sadhu endowed with supernatural powers, exploring themes of myth, nature, and ancient folklore.

Produced on a grand scale by Hombale Films, the film also features music and background score by B. Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematography by Arvind S. Kashyap. The remaining cast details are yet to be officially announced.

Also Read: Kantara Chapter 1: Makers rope in over 500 skilled fighters for war sequence

Release Date Remains Unchanged

Amid rumours of a delay, the producers have reassured fans that Kantara: Chapter 1 is on track for release. The film will hit theatres on October 2, 2025, in Kannada and will also be dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and English. After its theatrical run, the movie is expected to stream on Amazon Prime Video.