The Kannada movie Kantara, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, became a massive hit, garnering widespread acclaim and significant box office success. Currently, a prequel titled Kantara Chapter 1 is under production in Karnataka. However, a tragic incident involving the film’s team has brought shooting to an unexpected halt. Reports reveal that a bus carrying the movie crew met with an accident, prompting the filmmakers to pause the shoot. Here are the details.
How Did the Accident Happen?
The production of Kantara Chapter 1 faced an unforeseen interruption after a mini-bus carrying 20 crew members met with an accident. On Sunday night (November 24), after wrapping up their shoot, the team was traveling back from Jadkal in Karnataka. The bus reportedly lost control and overturned. Six junior artists were injured in the incident. Thankfully, no major stars were on board; the passengers were all supporting cast members. Local authorities were alerted, and the injured were immediately taken to the hospital. In light of the incident, the movie team announced a temporary halt to the shoot and assured that the injured crew members’ conditions are being closely monitored.
Who’s at fault?
Preliminary reports suggest negligence by the bus driver as the cause of the accident. Witnesses claim that the driver was using his phone while driving, leading to the mishap. A junior artist traveling in the bus alleged that the driver’s distraction was the reason for the accident. Following the incident, some members reportedly attacked the driver in anger. Members of the local tourist driver association arrived at the scene and expressed their frustration, causing temporary tension in the area. Police reached the spot and began an investigation.
Special Training for Rishab Shetty
Released two years ago, Kantara became a pan-Indian sensation, prompting the production of Kantara Chapter 1. Directed by Rishab Shetty himself, this period action thriller is being produced under the banner of Hombale Films by Vijay Kiragandur. Malayalam actor Jayaram is reportedly playing a pivotal role. Set in the Kadamba era, the film features an intriguing storyline, with Rishab Shetty undergoing extensive training in the martial art of Kalaripayattu for his role. The movie is slated for release on October 2, 2025.
Another Pan-India Project on the Horizon
While producing Kantara Chapter 1, Hombale Films recently announced another ambitious project titled Mahavatar: Narasimha. The film is set to release in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi. Directed by Ashwin Kumar, with music by Sam CS, this high-budget venture will be produced by Shilpa Dhawan, Kushal Desai, and Chaitanya Desai. Moreover, the Mahavatar series is expected to expand with future films exploring other avatars, further solidifying Hombale Films’ pan-India reach.
