Kantara Chapter 1 Team Clarifies Junior Artist’s Death Didn’t Occur During Filming, Extends Condolences To His Family

A 33-year-old junior artist, identified as M.F. Kapil, lost his life after reportedly drowning in a river near Kantara: Chapter 1's shooting location.

A 33-year-old junior artist, identified as M.F. Kapil, lost his life after reportedly drowning in a river near Kantara: Chapter 1's shooting location. The unfortunate event has sparked outrage, with the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) now calling for legal action against the actor-director and the production house.

However, the makers of the film, Hombale Films, have issued an official clarification to set the record straight. In a statement posted on their official X handle, the team expressed deep sorrow over the artist’s death but firmly stated that the incident occurred during Kapil’s personal time and not during any scheduled filming activity.

Kantara team's statement

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of junior artist M.F. Kapil. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and to his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. In view of the recent discussions, we would like to respectfully clarify that the incident did not occur on the sets of Kantara. No filming was scheduled on that day, and the unfortunate event would have occurred during his personal engagement outside the scope of any film related activity. We sincerely request everyone drawing unverified associations with the film or its crew,” the statement read.

The production house further added, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of M.F. Kapil, may they find strength and peace in this difficult time.”

AICWA demands action against Rishab Shetty and production house

Despite the clarification, the AICWA has demanded stringent action. In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the association called for an FIR against Rishab Shetty and the producers. “AICWA firmly believes that whenever a worker loses their life on a film set, the actual cause is often concealed, and any worker attempting to reveal the truth is threatened. This practice of covering up the reality behind such tragic incidents must end,” it said.

'Kantara: Chapter 1', a much-anticipated prequel to Shetty’s 2022 blockbuster Kantara, is scheduled for release on October 2 this year.