Rishab Shetty recalls near-death experiences during Kantara: Chapter 1 shoot, reveals four crew members lost their lives

Rishab Shetty

Fans went crazy when the trailer for Kantara: Chapter 1, the eagerly awaited prequel to the 2022 blockbuster, was released in Bengaluru this week. The film, which is scheduled for release on October 2, will come during the holiday season of Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti, which is a popular time for moviegoers. Fans were genuinely shocked by lead actor and director Rishab Shetty's disclosures regarding the risks involved in the film's production, even though the film's imagery and folklore-rich plot had already generated excitement.

Rishab Shetty discusses difficulties

During the launch event, Rishab acknowledged that there was a significant personal risk involved in filming the prequel. I was on the verge of dying four or five times during the shoot, if I count. "I was saved and we were all blessed by the divinity we trust," he said.

He clarified that the crew endured multiple on-set mishaps and worked nonstop for almost three months, frequently without enough sleep. "Everyone treated the film as their own, from the producers to the direction department, which gave us the strength to push forward," he continued.

Production-related tragedies

Heartbreak has also been a part of the Kantara: Chapter 1 production process. Kalabhavan Niju (43), an actor and mimicry artist involved in the project, died in Bengaluru in June. Rakesh Pujari, 33, who starred in the first movie, passed away earlier from cardiac arrest. M.F. Kapil, a young artist, added to the tragedy by drowning in the Souparnika river in the Udupi district. His death happened during personal time and had nothing to do with the shoot, the filmmakers explained.

Extending the Universe of Kantara

The team has persevered in spite of these obstacles. Co-written by Rishab Shetty, Anirudh Mahesh, and Shanil Guru, the script explores the beginnings of the Bhoota Kola ritual, which is the spiritual foundation of the Kantara universe.

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The prequel, which is supported by Hombale Films, stars Rishab alongside a powerful ensemble cast that includes Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, and Rukmini Vasanth. The movie promises a potent blend of myth, action, and spectacle, with Arvind Kashyap handling cinematography and B. Ajaneesh Loknath returning as music composer.

Fan Reactions to the Trailer

Online, the trailer has already sparked strong reactions. Some fans thought the visuals overshadowed the narrative, while others praised the action choreography, cinematography, and Rishab's on-screen persona. Still, there is a lot of excitement surrounding what is anticipated to be one of the most significant releases of 2025.