• Source:JND

Kantara 2 is currently being shot. In a socking turn of events, actor Rishabh Shetty's co-star, mimicry artist and actor Kalabhavan Niju died of a massive heart attack on Thursday in Bengaluru. The 43-year-old actor reportedly suffered severe chest pain at a homestay for junior artists and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he unfortunately could not be saved.

Mimicry artist Kannan Sagar said in a conversation with OnManorama, "Members who knew about his demise were urged to contact a phone number. By 11 pm, someone from the location who knew me sent Niju's photo and asked me to contact him. By that time, an artist from his native place had already contacted his family." He claimed that Niju’s death was informed on a WhatsApp group around 10:30 PM on June 12.

The Kantara Chapter One film set has witnessed three tragic deaths in recent months. MF Kapil, a 32-year-old crew member from Kottayam, Kerala, drowned in the Souparnika River near Kollur after being swept away by strong currents while swimming with colleagues. Recently, junior artist Viju VK, 33, died after suffering a heart attack in Agumbe.

Despite these setbacks, the film is reportedly on track to meet its October 2 deadline, with Rishab Shetty directing and starring in the lead role.

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About the movie: In Kantara 2, Rishab Shetty plays the role of a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers. The publicity poster was designed by Kaani Studio. B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the soundtrack and background score. The film will be released on October 2, 2025.