Makers of Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 deny reports of artists' injury after bus accident: 'Everything is normal'

Six junior artists of Kantara Chapter 1 were injured in accident in Karnataka. The film's makers have denied reports of shoot being stalled as a result.

After reports claimed that shoot of Kannada film Kantara Chapter 1 was stalled on Monday following a bus accident the previous night, the makers issued a statement denying the reports. As per reports, six junior artists from the film were hospitalised, and the film's production was paused. The makers, however, said that everyone was proceeding as normal. (

Rishab Shetty in Kantara

How the accident took place

PTI reported that six junior artists from Kantara were injured when the bus they were travelling in overturned in Udupi district. According to local police, the accident occurred near Jadkal on Sunday night when the mini-bus carrying the film crew overturned.

“The incident happened while they were returning to Kollur after completing the shoot at Mudoor in Jadkal. The mini-bus was carrying 20 junior artists when it met with the accident,” a police officer told PTI. They said the injured were rushed to hospitals in Jadkal and Kundapur for treatment. The Kollur police are investigating the matter. News 18 reported that the six junior artists with serious injuries have been hospitalised at Jadkaal Mahalakshmi Clinic.

Kantara makers issue clarification

A statement attributed to someone close to the production read, “The news making rounds is completely false. The Kantara: Chapter 1 team began shooting at 6 AM today, and everything is proceeding as normal. A minor accident occurred 20 kilometres away from the shooting location, involving a local bus carrying some members of the Kantara team. However, no injuries were reported.”

About Kantara Chapter 1

Kantara: Chapter 1 is the prequel to the 2022 sleeper hit Kantara, which starred Rishab Shetty. Filming began in November last year. The first look and teaser were released on 27 November 2023. Earlier this month, a new poster of the film announced its release date - October 2, 2025. A first look teaser was also released. Kantara: Chapter 1 stars Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, and Jisshu Sengupta. Shetty has also returned to direct.

Kantara, released in September 2022, was praised for showing the man vs nature conflict in coastal Karnataka using local folk tales and traditions. The film was made on a budget of just ₹16 crore and grossed over ₹400 crore. The film starred Shetty in a dual role, and also featured Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, and Achyuth Kumar.