Various reports had initially suggested that the shooting of Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated film Kantara: Chapter 1 had been abruptly halted due to a bus accident that occurred near the shooting location. These rumors quickly spread across media outlets and social platforms, raising concerns about the safety of the crew members and the possible impact on the film’s production schedule. However, in a statement released on November 25, 2024, the production team of Kantara: Chapter 1 set the record straight, confirming that the filming continued as scheduled, and that no crew members were injured in the incident.
The statement provided further clarification about the timing and details of the incident. It revealed that the shooting for Kantara: Chapter 1 began early on Monday at 6 AM, as planned. The accident reportedly occurred about 20 kilometers away from the shooting location, and involved a local bus. Only a few members of the film’s crew were present inside the bus at the time of the accident, and they were not seriously injured. The production team was adamant in debunking the rumors circulating online, stating that the reports of injuries to crew or supporting cast members were completely false. The statement emphasized that the filming was uninterrupted and that everything was proceeding as normal on set.
The circulating rumors had painted a far more dramatic picture, with several outlets claiming that as many as six members of the crew and supporting cast were injured in the bus accident. These reports claimed that the injured individuals were rushed to the Jadkaal Mahalakshmi Clinic for medical treatment. According to the speculation, the accident occurred while the crew was returning to Kollur after filming in Mudoor, Karnataka, with one report from News18 even claiming that the bus was carrying around 20 junior artistes, six of whom had reportedly sustained serious injuries. However, these claims were later clarified by the production team, who reiterated that no one had been hurt and the accident was a minor incident.
Despite the initial panic and the spread of misinformation, the Kantara: Chapter 1 team reassured the public and fans that the production was not delayed in any way and that the film’s schedule remained on track. The clarity and promptness of the official statement served to reassure fans of the film’s ongoing production and resolve any concerns regarding the safety of the cast and crew.
Kantara: Chapter 1 is a highly anticipated prequel to Rishab Shetty's 2022 blockbuster Kantara, which became a cultural phenomenon, especially in Kannada cinema, due to its unique blend of mythology, action, and local folklore. The success of Kantara made Shetty a household name, and fans have been eagerly waiting to see how the story will expand in the prequel. The film is expected to be released worldwide on October 2, 2025, and it will continue to explore the rich, mystical themes that resonated with audiences in the first film.
Rishab Shetty, who wrote, directed, and starred in Kantara, has now set his sights on taking the franchise to new heights with Kantara: Chapter 1. As the team gears up for its release, they are focused on delivering a film that not only satisfies the expectations of the audience but also elevates the legacy of the original film. Despite the brief incident on set, the entire team appears to be focused on bringing Kantara: Chapter 1 to the screen as planned, assuring fans that the project will continue without interruption.
This incident highlights the challenges faced during the making of a large-scale film, especially one with such a dedicated fan base. It also underscores the importance of clear communication from the production team to maintain public trust and ensure that any false reports are swiftly addressed. As Kantara: Chapter 1 continues its production journey, fans will be hoping that the film will live up to the monumental success of its predecessor, with its captivating blend of action, mythology, and storytelling.
