Boat Capsizes During ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ Shoot; Rishab Shetty, Crew Safe

Boat Capsizes on ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ Set; Rishab Shetty, Crew Escape Unharmed.

A potentially serious mishap was narrowly averted on the set of Kantara: Chapter 1 when a boat carrying actor-director Rishab Shetty and 30 crew members capsized during filming in Shivamogga, Karnataka. Fortunately, all aboard escaped without injury, according to police officials.

The incident occurred in the Mani reservoir, located in the Masti Katte region of Shivamogga district, while the team was shooting a scene for the upcoming Kannada film. Sources said the boat overturned in a shallow part of the reservoir, near an area known locally as Melina Koppa, which helped prevent a larger tragedy.

While there were no casualties, cameras and filming equipment were lost to the water, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Officers from the Thirthahalli Police Station have launched an investigation into the incident.

Spiritual Concerns Resurface
The accident has rekindled local beliefs tied to the central theme of Kantara, which explores the spiritual world of Bhoota Daivas, the guardian spirits revered in coastal Karnataka.

Speaking to PTI, veteran theatre artist Ramadas Poojary remarked that portraying Bhoota Daivas on screen is “always risky,” suggesting that the spirits are resistant to commercialisation. However, he also noted that Rishab Shetty had performed extensive rituals seeking divine approval before commencing the film’s production.

A senior crew member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said some members panicked when the boat capsized but were able to wade to safety thanks to the shallow depth of the reservoir.

“It shows that the spirits have blessed us in some way,” the crew member said.

A Production Plagued by Setbacks
This latest mishap adds to a string of unfortunate incidents that have plagued the Kantara: Chapter 1 production. Over the past month, the crew has lost three artists in unrelated incidents, casting a shadow over the film’s progress.

Despite the setbacks, the highly anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara is scheduled for release on October 2.