During the filming of Kantara: Chapter 1, a boat carrying actor-director Rishab Shetty and 30 members of the film crew capsised in the Mani reservoir in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district. The incident took place near Melina Koppa, a shallow section of the reservoir, which significantly reduced the risk of serious injury. Thanks to the shallow depth, all those on board managed to escape safely without any injuries.
While there were no casualties, it is believed that filming equipment, including cameras, was lost in the water. Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the damage. Following the incident, the Thirthahalli police visited the site and have launched an investigation.
Commenting on the episode, theatre artist Ramadas Poojary said that making a film centered on the spiritual traditions and spirits (Bhootas-Daivas) of Dakshina Kannada is not without risk, as these entities are believed to oppose commercial exploitation. However, he noted that Rishab Shetty had conducted proper rituals and sought blessings before beginning production. A senior crew member, who spoke news agencies on condition of anonymity, said that although there was panic when the boat overturned, everyone reached the shore safely thanks to the shallow waters. The crew member added, “It shows that the spirits have blessed us in some way.”
The accident is the latest in a string of difficulties faced by the film's production. Over the past month, three artists associated with the project have died in separate, unrelated incidents, deepening the sense of misfortune surrounding the shoot.
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