Kantara Chapter 1 Mishap: Rishab Shetty, 30 Crew Safe After Boat Capsizes On Set

Boat capsizes during Kantara Chapter 1 shoot; Rishab Shetty, 30 crew members escape unhurt. A dramatic incident unfolded on the sets of Kantara: Chapter 1 when a boat carrying actor-director Rishab Shetty and nearly 30 crew members overturned in a reservoir in Shivamogga.

The incident could have turned into a tragedy, but everyone on the boat made it back safely. The accident has become a huge talking point, adding more trouble to a film that has already faced a few obstacles during its production.

Boat Capsized in Shallow Waters During Kantara Chapter 1 Filming

The incident happened while the team filmed scenes in the Mani reservoir in Masti Katte, a small area in Shivamogga district of Karnataka. The boat tipped over in a shallow part of the waterbody near Melina Koppa, which made it easier for everyone to wade back safely to the shore.

According to reports, cameras and other filming equipment fell into the water and sustained some damage. However, the team has not yet assessed the total amount of these losses. Thirthahalli police rushed to the scene immediately and started investigating what went wrong.

Rishab Shetty and Crew Unhurt; Police Probe Begins

Actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty, who plays the lead role in the film, and all 30 members of his crew remained unharmed in the incident. The crew stayed calm and walked back to safety through the shallow waters. Thirthahalli police officers confirmed that everyone made it back safely to land without any injuries. The police have started investigating the incident to find its cause.

Bhoota Daiva Beliefs and Precautions During Filming

The incident has raised conversations about the role of Bhoota Daiva beliefs in the making of the film. Theatre actor Ramadas Poojary explained to media that making a film about the traditions of Dakshina Kannada is not easy, because these traditions are protective.

According to him, the Bhoota Daiva, or guardian spirits, do not appreciate the commercial use of their stories. However, Rishab Shetty performed special poojas to seek their blessings and move forward with the film. A crew member even described the incident as a sign that “the spirits blessed us in some way.”

Series of Unfortunate Incidents During Kantara Chapter 1 Shoot

This is not the first challenge the team has faced. In the past few weeks, the production tragically lost 3 artists due to unrelated incidents, adding more pressure on the team. Furthermore, in May 2025, a junior actor died, which forced the team to temporarily halt the shoot.

About Kantara Chapter 1

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. Rishab Shetty directed this film, and Hombale Films’ Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda produced it. The story is set during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi and also stars well-known actors Jayaram, Kishore, and Jayasurya. The team is currently battling these obstacles to bring this much-awaited story to the big screen by October 2, 2025.

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