Tragic Turn on 'Kantara: Chapter 1' Set
A junior artist drowned in Souparnika river, Udupi, halting the 'Kantara: Chapter 1' shoot. The crew faces multiple setbacks, including transport accidents and environmental scrutiny, highlighting challenges in bringing the film to life. Despite these hurdles, the release date remains October 2, 2025.

- Country:
- India
The production of the anticipated film 'Kantara: Chapter 1' faced a tragic setback when junior artiste M F Kapil drowned in the Souparnika river in Udupi. The incident momentarily paused the film's shooting as the local authorities carried out a search operation, recovering Kapil's body later that night.
Reports indicate that Kapil, while swimming, was swept away by the river's strong currents. Eyewitnesses suggest he got entangled in weeds ten feet deep. Kapil was a committed member of the 'Kantara: Chapter 1' crew, a prequel to the successful 2022 film that spotlighted coastal Karnataka's folklore, although he didn't feature as a lead.
Beyond this tragedy, the production has battled other significant challenges. A bus accident and the destruction of a costly film set by inclement weather have compounded their difficulties. Additionally, the team faces scrutiny from environmental authorities who allege disturbances in a sensitive ecological area. Despite these setbacks, the filmmakers insist the film will premiere as planned on October 2, 2025.
(With inputs from agencies.)