Gripping new saga in Indian cinema marches on through tragedy and adversity
Rishab Shetty starts the final schedule of Kantara 2 amidst the tragic passing of a junior artiste, marking an emotional but resolute wrap-up.
Production challenges, tragic deaths, and artistic vision set the context for the journey of one of India’s most anticipated films — Kantara: Chapter 1.
Final Schedule Begins Amid Tragedy
Despite facing multiple setbacks, including the heartbreaking death of a junior artiste, the production of Kantara: Chapter 1 has reached its final stretch. On May 7, shooting resumed at a remote location 20 kilometers from Kundapur, Karnataka, with the team committed to preserving the film’s timeline.
Only days before shooting resumed, young Kerala talent MF Kapil drowned in the Kollur Souparnika River. He had slipped into the water for a swim during a break on location. Local officials and fire department initiated a rescue effort, but his body was recovered later that night. The death has hung a gloomy pall over the production, but the crew has voted to continue shooting in his memory.
Continuous Setbacks Unable to Deter the Vision
The production of Kantara: Chapter 1 has not been a cakewalk. From logistical nightmares to natural disasters, the crew has been confronted with constant setbacks. A bus mishap involving junior artistes earlier in Kollur could have ended in tragedy, but luckily, there were no reports of injuries. Soon after, an expensive film set was wrecked by an unexpected torrent of wind and rain, prompting the crew to rebuild on tight deadlines.
Moreover, the production has attracted criticism from the forest department, as the latter raised questions regarding disruption of the natural ecosystem during shoot. Nevertheless with every crisis, the production continued resiliently and dynamically.
A War Sequence Never to be seen before in Indian Cinema
At the heart of Kantara: Chapter 1 is a massive war sequence intended to redefine action cinema in India. More than 500 trained combatants and a supporting cast of 3,000 extras were used to bring the sequence to life, which blends elements of Indian traditional martial arts with cinematic spectacle.
Rishab Shetty, who is director and lead of the film, underwent three months of rigorous physical training, learning horse riding, Kalaripayattu, and sword fighting to bring in authenticity. A team of national and international specialists choreographed action sequences to project the high value production and worldwide aspirations of the film.
Ambitious Prequel to a Cult Hit
Kantara: Chapter 1 is the eagerly-awaited prequel of the blockbuster 2022 release Kantara, which is released during the reign of the Banavasi Kadamba dynasty era. Hombale Films production stars Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Kishore, and Jayasurya, among several others.
Despite the numerous setbacks, the producers have announced the film’s theatrical run on October 2, 2025, assuring the fans that the shoot marred by delays won’t impact the timeline. With sweeping visuals, historical richness, and an intensely emotional setting, Kantara: Chapter 1 is set to be one of the most unforgettable movie experiences of the year.
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