‘Kantara 2' suffers yet another loss, mimicry artist Kalabhavan Niju passes away
Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 suffered yet another loss after the passing away of actor Kalabhavan Niju. The actor, who hails from Kerala, passed away due to a heart attack.
According to Onmanorama report, Niju was taken to hospital after he complained of sever chest pain. He succumbed to a heart attack.
A popular mimicry artist from Vadanappally in Thrissur, Niju had previously starred in Unni Mukundan's hit Malayalam films Malikappuram (2022) and Marco (2024). The actor was roped in for Kantara 2, the prequel to the 2022 sensational Kannada hit, after auditons.
The movie is set to hit the screens on October 2, 2025. With a little over three months remaining for the release of the movie, the prequel has been in the news for the unexpected deaths of the crew members.
On May 12, 2025, actor Rakesh Poojary, television personality and comedian, passed away at 34 due to a sudden cardiac arrest in Udupi. Rakesh was best known for winning the Kannada reality show Comedy Khiladigalu Season 3. A Week before Rakesh's death, a crew member from the movie drowned near Udupi, Karnataka.
The deceased, 32-year-old MF Kapil from Kottayam, Kerala, was caught in the cross currents when he went to the Souparnika river in Kollur in Udupi. Locals rescued him from the water, but Kapil died later.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of M.F. Kapil, may they find strength and peace in this difficult time.
ಎಂ.ಎಫ್. ಕಪಿಲ್ ಅವರ ಅಗಲಿಕೆಯಿಂದ ನಮಗೆ ತೀವ್ರ ದುಃಖವಾಗಿದೆ. ಅವರ ಕುಟುಂಬಕ್ಕೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂತಾಪಗಳು…🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/mG6JPLVC6m — Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) May 8, 2025
ALSO READ: 'Kantara: Chapter 1' crew member drowns near Udupi; shoot halted
Kantara: Chaper 1 is produced by Hombale Films of KGF and Salaar fame. Arvind Kashyap is the cinematographer while Ajaneesh Loknath is the music director. Rishab will play the lead in the movie. The makers released the first-look teaser of the movie in November, 2023.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
20 minutes ago
- NDTV
Kantara Chapter 1: Boat Capsizes During Shoot. Rishab Shetty, 30 Crew Members Escape Unhurt
New Delhi: During the shooting of Kantara: Chapter 1, a boat carrying actor-director Rishab Shetty and 30 crew members capsized in the Mani reservoir in Shivamogga district. What According to police sources, the incident occurred near Melina Koppa, a shallow area of the reservoir, which helped avert a major mishap. All onboard escaped unhurt. However, filming equipment and cameras are believed to have been lost in the water. The total damage is yet to be assessed. Thirthahalli police visited the site and have begun an investigation into the incident. Background Theatre artist Ramadas Poojary told PTI that making a film on the spirits (Bhootas-Daivas) of Dakshina Kannada carries risks, as such spirits do not favour commercialisation. However, he added that Rishab Shetty had performed proper rituals and received blessings before starting the film. A senior crew member, speaking anonymously to PTI, said some panicked when the boat overturned, but all safely made it to shore due to the shallow depth. "It shows that the spirits have blessed us in some way," the crew member added. This accident adds to the series of setbacks faced by the production. In the past month, three artists associated with the film have passed away in separate incidents. In A Nutshell A boat carrying Rishab Shetty and 30 crew members capsized during the shoot of Kantara: Chapter 1 in Karnataka's Mani reservoir, but all escaped unhurt due to shallow waters. Filming equipment was lost, and police are investigating the incident.
News18
32 minutes ago
- News18
Unni Mukundan Shelves Marco 2 Plans Due To 'Too Much Negativity'
Unni didn't dodge it. In a candid reply, he wrote, 'Bro, apologies, but I have dropped plans to continue the Marco series. Too much negativity around the project. I'll try my best to bring something bigger and better than Marco. Thanks for all the love and positivity. Cheers." Take a look: The original Marco, a gritty crime thriller, was a commercial success and had stirred buzz for a sequel. Helmed by director Haneef Adeni, the film stood out for its gripping narrative and striking visuals. But Marco also drew flak for its intense violence and morally ambiguous characters. The mixed reactions, especially the criticism over its dark tone, seem to have played a part in Unni Mukundan's decision to call off the sequel. Veteran actor Jagadish, who portrayed the menacing antagonist Tony Isaac in Marco, had earlier weighed in on the controversy. At a press event, he said, 'The question is, do audiences like the character or Jagadish as a person? In Marco, my character supports violence. But does the audience like Tony Isaac or Jagadish? If it's Jagadish they like, then let me be clear, I have never spoken in favour of violence." Marco is a 2024 Malayalam neo-noir action thriller directed and written by Haneef Adeni. Produced by Shareef Muhammed under the Cubes Entertainments banner, the film features Unni Mukundan in the lead as Marco Jr., a cold-blooded gangster raised by the feared Adattu crime family. The story kicks off after the violent death of his blind foster brother Victor, triggering Marco's brutal path of vengeance. The film, a standalone spin-off of Mikhael, exists in the same universe, with some familiar characters placed in a new narrative. It also stars Siddique, Jagadish, Kabir Duhan Singh, Abhimanyu Shammi Thilakan, Anson Paul, Ishaan Shoukath, and Yukti Thareja in key roles. Gritty, violent, and stylized, Marco made waves for its dark themes and intense storytelling. Meanwhile, Unni Mukundan was last seen in the comedy-drama Get Set Baby, directed by Vinay Govind.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Yash's superdad moment on Father's Day; Radhika Pandit says, 'He turns his world upside down'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) This Father's Day, superstar Yash shared a heartfelt and fun moment with his children Ayra and Atharv, winning hearts across the internet. In a video posted by his wife Radhika Pandit, Yash is seen donning the playful role of Spiderman—doing somersaults and flips with his kids. 'To the world's best dadda…' The video showcases his playful bond with them and his effort to make the day extra special. Radhika captioned the adorable post: 'To the world's best dadda, who literally turns his world (and himself!) upside down for our children. Happy Father's Day!' View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) 'Happy father's Day to the most handsome - Netizens react Even as one of India's biggest stars, Yash ensures that fatherhood remains his top priority. The video is a glimpse into how he actively participates in his children's lives, despite being immersed in high-profile film projects. Fans were quick to appreciate the actor's humility and involvement as a parent, praising how grounded he remains amidst fame. 'KGF' star Yash gets emotional on daughter Arya's ear piercing One comment read, 'Happy father's Day to the most handsome of the world.' Another one commented, 'Spider man Scared of Rocky bhai ' A third one wrote, 'Yess the Santoor dad really existtt .' Another one commented, 'Spiderman X Rocky Bhai .' Another fan called the 'KGF' star 'Rockyman', referring to his character in Prashanth Neel's directorial Glimpse of 'Ramayana' and big 2026 plans On the work front, excitement is building around Yash's upcoming films. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo Recently the makers shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse from 'Ramayana' featuring the 'KGF' star alongside acclaimed Hollywood stunt director Guy Norris. In addition to 'Ramayana', Yash will also be seen in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, which is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026, coinciding with Eid-ul-Fitr and Ugadi. 'Ramayana: Part One' is slated for a grand Diwali 2026 release. Notably, Yash is co-producing both films, marking his debut behind the camera and signaling an ambitious new phase in his career.
