Recurring Tragedies Haunt the 'Kantara: Chapter 1' Film Set
The atmosphere on the set of Kantara: Chapter 1 has taken a dark turn. On June 12, 2025, Kalabhavan Niju, a beloved 43-year-old mimicry artist and actor, suddenly passed away due to a heart attack. This latest incident marks a disturbing trend, making Niju the third person attached to the film to die in recent months. The news of his passing has left both the crew and the broader entertainment community rattled.
Niju was staying at a homestay in Bengaluru, organized for the show's cast members. After reporting intense chest pain, he was rushed to a hospital, but doctors couldn’t revive him. The loss felt personal to many who had come to know him not just as a performer, but as a friend and colleague. Niju was known for his work in films like Marco and Malikappuram, and he'd just recently auditioned for his part in the much-anticipated sequel. His death was first publicly confirmed by fellow mimicry artist Kannan Sagar through a WhatsApp group message, sending shockwaves through the industry.
This heartbreaking event follows two other fatalities linked to the film in quick succession. Back in early May 2025, a junior artist tragically drowned during a private outing near a river, a misfortune entirely unrelated to the actual filming but one that still cast a shadow on the crew. Not long after, Kannada actor Rakesh Pujari, also associated with Kantara: Chapter 1, lost his life. Details about the exact circumstances regarding Pujari's demise remain scarce, but together, these three deaths have understandably sparked concern and shaken morale.
The Weight on the Cast and Crew
Kantara’s crew is struggling to come to terms with these deaths. While film sets are used to dealing with high pressure and unexpected hurdles, multiple tragedies in such a short span are far from normal. Some crew members have privately admitted that nerves are raw and there’s growing anxiety about what lies ahead. Production continues in Bengaluru, but with an air of caution and sorrow that wasn’t there before. No one expected a shoot for a high-profile film to harbor so much grief.
As for Kalabhavan Niju, his role in the sequel hadn't been widely disclosed, but his presence was already felt in early rehearsals. His peers describe him as a gifted mimic, known for a quick joke and infectious laugh—qualities that made stressful days on set a little easier. There’s an unspoken fear among the team: can the film move forward after so many setbacks? With no word yet on whether the shooting schedule will change, uncertainty looms large.
Despite the gloom, fans are still eagerly watching for updates, hoping that Kantara: Chapter 1 will eventually grace the big screen. Meanwhile, the film community is taking a hard look at how these incidents have unfolded, pondering how to better protect and care for those working in such intense environments.