The set of Kantara: Chapter 1 has been shaken by yet another tragedy. Kalabhavan Niju, a popular mimicry artist and actor from Kerala, passed away at the age of 43 after suffering a heart attack in Bengaluru on Thursday night.
According to a report by OnManorama, Niju was staying at a homestay arranged for the cast members during the ongoing shoot when he experienced severe chest pain. Despite immediate efforts to rush him to a hospital, he could not be saved. Mimicry artist Kannan Sagar confirmed the news, revealing that he was informed of Niju’s passing via a WhatsApp group message around 10:30 pm.
Niju was last seen in the film Marco and had reportedly auditioned for a role in Kantara: Chapter 1, which is being directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films, the makers of KGF and Salaar.
This is sadly not the first incident connected to the film’s production. Earlier this year, Kannada actor-comedian Rakesh Poojary died of cardiac arrest at a wedding at the age of 33. Just days before that, MF Kapil, a 32 year old junior artist from Kerala, drowned in the Souparnika River during a shoot.In November 2024, a minibus carrying 20 junior artists met with an accident in Mudoor, but luckily everyone was safe. Earlier, a grand set made for the film was also damaged because of heavy rain.
About Kantara: Chapter 1
A prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, is directed by and stars Rishab Shetty. It is a period drama set during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty of Banavasi. The film also features Jayaram, Kishore, Jayasurya, and Jisshu Sengupta and is scheduled to hit the theaters on October 2, 2025.
Also Read: Kantara 2 Row: AICWA Calls For FIR Against Rishab Shetty After Junior Artist Dies
