What’s Wrong On Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 Set? 3rd Tragic Death As Actor Kalabhavan Niju Dies Of Heart Attack During Filming

Tragedy has struck the sets of Kantara Chapter 1 once again. Actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Niju, 43, died of a heart attack while filming in Bengaluru. He was staying at a homestay with other cast members when he complained of chest pain and collapsed. Despite efforts to save him, he passed away on Thursday night.

Actor Kalabhavan Niju Dies Of Heart Attack On Set

Fellow artist Kannan Sagar confirmed Niju’s death in a WhatsApp group around 10:30 p.m. Niju, who had recently featured in the film Marco, had auditioned for Kantara Chapter 1 and was thrilled to be part of the film. His death is the third linked to the movie’s production.

This isn’t the first time tragedy has hit the Kantara Chapter 1 crew. In May, actor-comedian Rakesh Poojary died from cardiac arrest during a wedding. Just weeks earlier, 32-year-old junior artiste MF Kapil drowned in the Souparnika River. Back in November, a minibus carrying 20 junior artistes crashed in Mudoor, though no major injuries were reported. Around the same time, a key set was destroyed by heavy rain.

The repeated mishaps have raised serious concerns about safety on set. Some crew members believe the intense shooting schedule and demanding nature of the film may be affecting the team’s health.

About Kantara Chapter 1

Kantara Chapter 1 is a prequel to Rishab Shetty’s 2022 hit Kantara. Set during the Kadamba dynasty, the film explores mythology, folklore, and action. It stars Rishab Shetty and veteran actor Jayaram, and is produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films.

The film began shooting in November 2023. The first teaser showed Shetty as a Naga Sadhu with supernatural abilities. B Ajaneesh Loknath is composing the music. The movie is set to release on October 2, 2025.