Repeated deaths and gloom; Kantara 2 engulfed in mystery

Kantara Chapter One (Kantara 2) is now engulfed in mystery over repeated untoward instances including the death of artists. On Monday, actor Rakesh Poojary, who was cast in a prominent role in the movie collapsed during a wedding function and died. He was just 34.

Two weeks ago, Vaikom native, junior artiste MF Kapil, who had come to act in the same film, drowned in the Souparnika River. The incident took place at around 4 pm on May 6. The young man, who had gone to bathe in the river was swept away by the strong currents.

Since the production commenced, the movie has witnessed certain setbacks that even included the death of prominent actors. Last November, while returning from the shooting of Kantara 2 in Mudur, the minibus carrying the junior artists met with an accident. There were 20 people on the bus. Several people were injured.

Filming was halted for a few days following the accident. Days after the accident, a large set built for the film collapsed due to bad weather.

Last January, a clash between the film crew and local villagers led to a major clash. The clash was over the use of explosives in the forest. The forest department had registered a case in the incident.

Amidst gloom and anticipation over the recurring dreadful incidents, Kantara is expected to hit theatres by the second half of this year.