Mysterious Deaths Continue On Kantara 2 Sets

The team of the much-awaited film Kantara: Chapter 1 has been struck by another tragedy. Comedian and mimicry artist Niju Kalabhavan passed away due to a heart attack while the film was being shot in Agumbe, located in Shivamogga district's Thirthahalli Taluk, Karnataka. The incident occurred on the night of June 11.

Niju, a 55-year-old actor from Thrissur, Kerala, had been staying at Mithila Homestay with other crew members during the ongoing shoot. He complained of sudden chest pain late at night and was rushed to J.C. Hospital in Thirthahalli but died on the way. This is the third death in just over two months from the Kantara: Chapter 1 team.

Earlier, on May 6, M.F. Kapil, a junior artist from Kerala, drowned in the Souparnika River near Kollur while taking a break from shooting. On May 12, comedian Rakesh Poojary, known for his work in Kannada comedy shows, collapsed and died of a heart attack while attending a wedding. These repeated tragedies have shocked the team and saddened fans of the Kantara franchise.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is the prequel to the blockbuster 2022 Kannada film Kantara, directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films. Set against the backdrop of the Kadamba dynasty, the film stars Rishab Shetty in the lead and is scheduled for global release on October 2, 2025. The production unit has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Niju Kalabhavan's death. The death of Niju Kalabhavan has sent shockwaves through the Kantara Chapter 1 team. The film's teaser and first-look poster were released in November 2023, and the full cast has not been officially announced yet.