Kantara 2: Rishab Shetty starrer film hit by tragedy; junior artist dies by drowning during shoot
Synopsis
A tragic accident halted Kantara: Chapter 1 filming as a crew member drowned in Kollur
The production of Kantara: Chapter 1, the much-anticipated prequel to Rishab Shetty’s 2022 hit, came to an unexpected pause on May 6 due to a tragic accident. A junior artist named MF Kapil, originally from Kerala, drowned in the Souparnika River near Kollur, Karnataka. The incident occurred during a lunch break when he entered the river for a swim but was reportedly pulled under by strong currents. Authorities recovered his body later that evening.
Emergency services, including the fire department, quickly initiated a search operation after the incident. A formal case has been registered at the Kollur police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. The film’s shooting was temporarily halted as the crew processed the loss.
This is not the first time the Kantara franchise has encountered difficulties during production. In earlier incidents related to the original film, a bus transporting junior artists overturned in Kollur. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at that time. On another occasion, a costly set was damaged by sudden and severe weather. The team has also previously come under scrutiny from the forest department for potential disruption of the natural ecosystem during shoots.
Despite these obstacles, the team behind Kantara: Chapter 1 has remained committed to their timeline. Following speculation about a delay, the filmmakers reassured fans via Instagram that the film is still scheduled for release on October 2, 2025.
The final phase of filming began on May 7, in a location roughly 20 kilometers from Kundapur, Karnataka. While specific plot details are being kept under wraps, earlier updates revealed that the film includes an expansive war sequence. This massive set piece has reportedly involved collaboration with national and international stunt professionals. Over 500 trained fighters and approximately 3,000 participants have been enlisted to bring the vision to life, positioning it as one of the grandest action sequences in Indian film history.