Kantara Chapter 1, starring Rishab Shetty, has been involved in a controversy after it was reported that a junior artiste drowned on the film’s set. However, the makers have now issued a clarification on the incident and revealed that there was no shooting schedule on the day of the tragic death.
The statement reads, “We deeply regret the unfortunate incident and would like to respectfully clarify that it did not take place on the sets of Kantara. In fact, there was no shooting scheduled on the day the incident occurred. The incident happened during his personal trip with friends. We request everyone to kindly avoid any speculation linking it to the film.”
As per report by News18 Kannada, the junior artiste was named MF Kapil and he drowned in the Souparnika River in Kollur. The shoot was halted after this incident, which occurred after the deceased went into the river for a swim but couldn’t survive due to strong current. Local authorities, fire and rescue teams began searching for him after they were alerted. They found his body in the evening and an investigation is currently underway.
The movie was earlier in the news after it reportedly received backlash for allegedly creating a disturbance in the forest area. According to a report by India Today, the team of Kantara: Chapter 1 is currently filming in the forest area of Gavigudda, Heruru village in Karnataka. The locals reportedly accused the crew of causing damage to the environment as the explosives have been allegedly used during the shoot.
The outrage was caused because the forest area is home to several wildlife species. Former Zilla Panchayat member Sanna Swamy also expressed his anger over the shoot and said, as per India Today, “Farmers are already struggling with wild elephant attacks. Despite the Supreme Court’s directive to protect forests, officials have been negligent. Immediate action must be taken to prevent further damage.”
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‘Kantara Chapter 1’, starring Rishab Shetty, will release in theatres on October 2, 2025.
