On Wednesday, reports surfaced of junior artiste MF Kapil’s death on the sets of Kantara: Chapter 1. The 33-year-old, a resident of Moosarithara in Kerala, reportedly died by drowning while swimming in the Souparnika River near Kollur, Karnataka on May 6. According to the film’s makers, Kapil’s death was accidental. An FIR has been filed, and the Kollur Police are currently investigating. However, the All Indian Cine Workers Association has expressed doubts about the reported cause of death and the actions taken following the tragic incident.
AICWA demands FIR against Rishab Shetty
On Thursday, the AICWA shared a statement demanding an FIR against Rishab Shetty and the owners of the production house, claiming the association is gravely concerned that such incidents are consistently misrepresented.
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The statement read, “AICWA is gravely concerned that incidents of fatalities on film sets, such as the deaths of technicians during the shooting of Tamil films Indian 2 and Sardar 2, and the recent accident involving 20 junior artists traveling by bus last November, are consistently misrepresented. Producers and production houses often downplay the severity of such incidents, providing misleading information. In this latest tragedy, the claim of drowning needs to be thoroughly investigated to determine if it is the true cause of death or if there are other factors involved.”
Media Release
Date: May 8, 2025Subject: AICWA Demands Impartial Investigation into the Tragic Death of Junior Artist MF Kapil on the Set of “Kantara 2 (Chapter-1)”
Mumbai – The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) expresses deep sorrow over the tragic demise of junior… pic.twitter.com/QTDR0wU4v9
— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) May 8, 2025
The statement further read that the association firmly believes that whenever a worker loses their life on a film set, the actual cause is often concealed. “Any worker attempting to reveal the truth is threatened. The practice of covering up the reality behind such tragic incidents must end.”
AICWA demands Rs 1 crore compensation for MF Kapil
The association also requested Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to initiate a “high-level, impartial” investigation into the death of MF Kapil. “Furthermore, AICWA demands that an FIR be filed against producer Rishab Shetty and the production house.”
The association appealed to the producers of Kantara 2 to provide financial compensation of Rs 1 crore to the bereaved family of Kapil, acknowledging the immense loss they have suffered.
Other controversies
After announcing a prequel to Kantara in 2022, Rishab Shetty unveiled posters for the new film, revealing that it is scheduled for release on Gandhi Jayanti this year. However, multiple reports of production delays have circulated online since then.
Earlier, a bus carrying 20 junior artistes overturned in Kollur, though fortunately, no injuries were reported. Additionally, a large and costly set was reportedly destroyed by unexpected wind and rain damage.
