The production of Rishab Shetty’s highly anticipated film Kantara: Chapter 1 has been temporarily halted following a tragic incident on set. MF Kapil, an aspiring junior artiste from Kerala, tragically lost his life after drowning in the Kollur Souparnika River on Tuesday. Kapil had gone for a swim during a lunch break but was swept away by a strong current. Local authorities and the fire department swiftly launched a search operation, but unfortunately, Kapil's body was recovered later in the evening. A case has been filed at the Kollur police station, and investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The tragic death has cast a shadow over the film's shoot, as the team mourns the loss of a young talent. Kantara: Chapter 1, which is being produced on a pan-India scale and is slated for a theatrical release in October 2025, had been surrounded by rumors suggesting a delay due to the ongoing difficulties faced by the filmmakers. However, to reassure fans, the production team shared a cheerful video reaffirming the release date of October 2, putting to rest the speculation about any postponement.
Directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to the original 2022 blockbuster Kantara. Set during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Kishore, and Jayasurya. Despite the setbacks, the team remains committed to delivering the film as planned.
