The turbulence surrounding the production of Kantara: Chapter 1 has taken a tragic turn. As per recent reports, a junior artist involved with the film’s shoot has lost their life due to drowning in a nearby river. The unfortunate incident reportedly occurred during a location shoot, casting a shadow over the film’s ongoing schedule.

Reportedly, the name of the actor was Kapil and he died by drowning in the Kollur Souparnika River on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the reports, the junior artist had ventured into the river for a swim during the lunch break, but tragedy struck when he was caught in a powerful current and swept away.

© Hombale Films

Following the incident, local officials and the fire department promptly initiated a search and rescue mission. Tragically, Kapil’s body was found in the river later that same evening. A formal case has been filed at the Kollur police station, and authorities have begun investigating the events surrounding the accident. The unfortunate incident has left the film’s production in a state of shock and mourning.

This is not the first time markers have faced an obstruction in the making of the film.

© Hombale Films

Earlier, the production faced a series of setbacks, starting with a bus carrying junior artistes overturning in Kollur—fortunately, no one was injured. Adding to the challenges, a grand and costly set was severely damaged by sudden winds and heavy rainfall. On top of this, the crew also drew criticism from the forest department for allegedly disrupting the local ecosystem during the shoot, putting the project under further scrutiny.

Following the massive success of Kantara, Kantara: Chapter 1 will tell the adventures of Shiva before his death.

The film is currently under the protection stage in Kerala and is slated for release on October 2 this year.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is directed and led by Rishab Shetty.