Kannada actor and National Award winner Rishab Shetty is currently filming Kantara 2 in the forest area of Gavigudda, Karnataka.
Now reports are that former Zilla Panchayat member Sanna Swamy has threatened action against the film's team over causing damage to the forest damage and alleged violence against the locals.
Sanna Awamy told Republic Kannada, the Kantara 2 team members fought with the locals after they objected to the use of explosives in the forest area.
Rishab Shetty and the Kantara 2 team had taken permissions to shoot on village grazing land but the team is reportedly shooting in forest area and using explosives which are leading to environmental issues.
Since the Gavigudda area is home to several wildlife species it has led to many protests from the locals.
Sanna Swamy has alleged that the shooting of the film in the forest area is harming animals and birds. “Farmers are already struggling with wild elephant attacks. Despite the Supreme Court’s directive to protect forests, officials have been negligent. Immediate action must be taken to prevent further damage,” he said.
Locals also confronted the crew over the use of explosives and it led to a heated argument.
According to reports, a local was allegedly attacked by the crew during an altercation and was also admitted to a hospital near by.
Locals are demanding that the film's shoot be shifted to another location and appropriate action be taken against the crew.
The locals have also registered a case at the Yesalur Police Station, and they have threatened action against the Kantara team. They will also file a petition in the High Court if their concerns are not addressed.
Kantara: Chapter 1 (Kantara 2) is a prequel to Rishab Shetty's Kantara, which was released in theatres in 2022. The prequel, which is produced by Hombale Films, will release in theatres on October 2.
Kannada film Kantara was one of the highest-grossing films in 2022 and it also made Rishab Shetty win a National Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
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