Rishab Shetty’s highly anticipated film Kantara: Chapter 2 has landed in controversy following the tragic death of a junior artiste on set. The shoot, which was underway in Karnataka, has now come to a complete halt. The deceased, MF Kapil, a 33-year-old resident of Moosarithara, Vaikom, Kerala, drowned in the Souparnika River near Kollur, Karnataka on May 6, 2025, around 3:45 PM, according to the police and film sources.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has released a strong public statement, demanding an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident. They have also called for an FIR against actor-director Rishab Shetty and the film’s production company, Hombale Films. In an official media release shared on X (formerly Twitter), AICWA stated: “The All Indian Cine Workers Association expresses deep sorrow over the tragic demise of junior artist MF Kapil… during the shooting of the film Kantara 2 (Chapter 1). We demand an immediate investigation into whether drowning was the actual cause of death or if other factors were involved.”
According to sources from the set, Kapil decided to take a dip in the river during the lunch break. However, strong river currents swept him away before anyone could react. The crew and local authorities immediately called for help, prompting the fire department to begin a swift search and rescue operation. Sadly, Kapil’s body was discovered later that evening. A case has been filed at the Kollur police station, and an investigation is now underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the mishap.
AICWA drew attention to a troubling pattern of on-set accidents being downplayed or misrepresented. The statement referenced previous fatal incidents on the sets of Tamil films Indian 2 and Sardar 2, as well as a bus accident involving 20 junior artistes in November 2024. “Whenever a worker loses their life on a film set, the actual cause is often concealed, and those who speak up are threatened,” the statement reads. The association urged Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah to launch a high-level, impartial probe into Kapil’s death. It also demanded that the producers provide financial compensation of ₹1 crore to the deceased’s family.
As of now, neither Rishab Shetty nor the producers at Hombale Films have issued any official response or comment on the incident or the allegations raised by AICWA. The makers of Kantara: Chapter 1 addressed the reports stating that a junior artiste died by drowning while swimming in the river during the shoot. In a public statement, they clarified that the incident did not happen on the set of the film and that no filming took place on that day.
The official statement shared by the makers of Hombale Films read, “We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of junior artist M.F. Kapil. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and to his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. In view of the recent discussions, we would like to respectfully clarify that the incident did not occur on the sets of Kantara. No filming was scheduled on that day, and the unfortunate event would have occurred during his personal engagement outside the scope of any film-related activity.”
The production team has faced multiple setbacks in recent weeks. Earlier incidents include a bus accident involving junior artists, which thankfully resulted in no injuries. In a separate setback, an expensive film set was destroyed by sudden heavy winds and rain. Additionally, the production has drawn scrutiny from the forest department over concerns of environmental disruption in protected areas.
Despite the emotional toll and practical setbacks, the makers of the film have confirmed that the release date will not be changed. “The film will release as planned on October 2,” a statement from the team read on Instagram, addressing recent rumors. The final shooting schedule resumed on May 7, just 20 kilometers from Kundapur, Karnataka.
The film features one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious action sequences, a massive war scene involving more than 500 trained fighters and over 3,000 participants. Developed with the expertise of both Indian and international professionals, the scene is expected to be a visual spectacle and a major highlight of the film. As fans eagerly await the return to the mystical world of Kantara, the untimely loss of MF Kapil casts a shadow over the production. His contribution, along with those of countless other behind-the-scenes artists, reminds us of the real lives and risks involved in filmmaking.
In a related note, specialist in ritualistic theatre (Bhoota worship) in the coastal districts, Parava Poojary, apprehended that these were ominous signs. He recalled that religious people have already warned Rishab Shetty and his team about certain ‘aberrations’ that might have occurred during the making of Kantara and now its prelude, Kantara 1.
As the investigation unfolds, the film industry watches closely, reflecting on the safety measures in place for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety on film sets and the need for accountability in the face of such tragedies.
In summary, the death of MF Kapil has sparked significant outrage and demands for justice within the film community. The AICWA's call for accountability and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death highlight the ongoing conversation about worker safety in the industry. As the film moves forward, the hope remains that lessons will be learned to prevent such tragedies in the future.
