Filming for Rishab Shetty’s ambitious prequel Kantara Chapter 1 was brought to a tragic halt after a junior artiste died suddenly on set. The deceased is MF Kapil, a background artist from Kerala, who drowned in the Souparnika River at Kollur on Tuesday afternoon during his lunch break.
The unfortunate episode took place while the crew was filming an action sequence related to the climax of the movie. Reports suggest that MF Kapil entered the Souparnika River for a swim during the unit’s lunch break and was washed away by an unexpected current; rescue efforts are reported to have been made by fire department officials and local people before swimming out. His body was recovered later in the evening.
Authorities at the Kollur police tragically report that they have registered a case and started a formal investigation. The production has been stalled indefinitely while crew members process the death of their colleague.
MF Kapil’s Death Sends Shockwaves Across Kannada Industry
The incident has cast a dark shadow over the set of Kantara Chapter 1. Many crew members and industry insiders expressed sadness over the tragic loss. MF Kapil had worked as a junior artist across South Indian film productions and reportedly made a lot of friends and admirers for his dedication.
While Rishab Shetty and the production team are yet to release an official statement following the tragic passing of cinematographer MF Kapil, internal sources suggest that the team plans to hold a memorial prayer meet before work resumes.
About Kantara Chapter 1: A Prequel to Kadamba-Era Karnataka
Directed, written, and starring Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 serves as a spiritual prequel to the superhit 2022 movie, Kantara. It is a period action-drama set in Banavasi during the time of the Kadamba dynasty, and it has a stellar cast including Jayaram, Kishore, Jayasurya, and Jisshu Sengupta.
Kantara Chapter 1 is in the final stages of filming and is scheduled for release in theatres on October 2, 2025, to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti. This new storyline is intended to probe deeper into the mythical and cultural representation of Tulunadu that the first film only hinted at.
BoxOfficeWorldwide Verdict:
The tragic passing of MF Kapil is a reminder of the unseen hazards faced by crew members behind the scenes. As Kantara Chapter 1 moves toward another step in bringing an epic cultural film to the screens, the team has endured a moment of loss that brought them together not only in grief but in reflection. Our thoughts go out to the family of the deceased and the entire Kantara team.
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