Shivamogga, India — The eagerly awaited film “Kantara: Chapter 1” has been momentarily halted due to an accident that occurred during production. Director and lead actor Rishab Shetty is set to reprise his role in this prequel to the successful 2022 mythological thriller “Kantara.” However, just weeks before its release on October 2, the production faced a setback when a boat capsized during filming.
The incident happened at the Mani reservoir in the Masti Katte area of Karnataka, where the crew was working on outdoor scenes. Fortunately, the boat overturned in a shallow part of the reservoir, minimizing the potential risks to the crew. Rishab Shetty and approximately 30 crew members were unharmed, though some items, including cameras and filming gear, were reportedly lost to the water. The extent of the losses is still being determined.
Witnesses noted that crew members experienced panic as the boat capsized but were able to navigate safely to shore. This accident is not the first difficulty the production team has encountered. In the last month, three artists connected to the project have experienced separate incidents that have complicated the film’s development.
In May, the production team addressed concerns regarding potential delays, expressing confidence that their timeline was intact. They reassured fans via social media that “Kantara: Chapter 1” would open in theaters on the scheduled date, urging followers to refrain from spreading unverified information about the film.
Despite the recent challenges, the film’s anticipation remains high, with many looking forward to how Rishab Shetty will build on the success of the original. As production remains paused while assessments are made, the commitment to deliver a compelling cinematic experience continues to drive the team forward. Fans of Shetty and the first installment are hopeful that the production will rebound and meet its scheduled release.