A boat capsized during the filming of "Kantara: Chapter 1" in the Mani reservoir located in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka. The incident involved actor-director Rishab Shetty and approximately 30 crew members. According to police sources, the mishap occurred near Melina Koppa, a shallow area within the reservoir. The shallow depth of the waterbody played a crucial role in averting a major tragedy, ensuring that everyone on board was able to escape unharmed.
While all individuals involved were reported safe, there are concerns regarding the filming equipment. Cameras and other essential equipment are believed to have been lost in the water during the incident. The total value of the lost or damaged equipment is still being assessed by the production team. Local authorities from the Thirthahalli police station visited the site to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing.
The incident has prompted varied reactions and interpretations. Ramadas Poojary, a theatre artist, shared his perspective with PTI, suggesting that making a film about the spirits (Bhootas-Daivas) of Dakshina Kannada inherently carries risks. He stated that these spirits are believed to disapprove of commercial activities related to them. However, he also noted that Rishab Shetty had performed the necessary rituals and received blessings before commencing the film's production.
Adding to the narrative, a senior crew member, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the immediate aftermath of the incident. Speaking to PTI, the crew member revealed that some individuals panicked when the boat overturned. Fortunately, due to the shallow water, everyone managed to wade to safety. The crew member interpreted the event as a sign of divine protection, saying, "It shows that the spirits have blessed us in some way."
Unfortunately, the boat mishap is not the only challenge faced by the "Kantara: Chapter 1" production. Over the past month, the film has been associated with a series of unfortunate events, including the deaths of three artists involved in the project in separate incidents. One of these incidents involved a junior artist, MF Kapil, who allegedly drowned in the Souparnika river near Kollur in Udupi district during a lunch break. However, the film's production team has clarified that this incident occurred during the artist's personal time and was not related to the shooting schedule.
"Kantara: Chapter 1" serves as a prequel to the commercially and critically acclaimed 2022 Kannada blockbuster, "Kantara". Rishab Shetty is not only directing and writing the prequel but also reprising his role as the lead actor. He also won the National Award for best actor last year. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on October 2, and despite recent setbacks, the team remains committed to bringing this story to the screen.
