Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 2 Lands In Controversy After Junior Artiste Drowns On Set

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 incident took place during the filming of Kantara 2 (Chapter 1).

AICWA Calls for Immediate Investigation and FIR Against Rishab Shetty and Hombale Films

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.”

 

Concerns Over Safety on Film Sets

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 the 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.

No Response Yet from Rishab Shetty or Hombale Films

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.

 

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