The makers of Kantara: Chapter 1, starring Rishab Shetty, have addressed the tragic death of 33-year-old junior artist M.F. Kapil, who drowned while swimming during a break from filming. Hombale Films, the production house, issued a statement clarifying that the incident did not occur on the film's set and no filming was scheduled that day. They urged the public to refrain from drawing unverified links between the tragedy and the film's production.

However, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded an FIR against Rishab Shetty and the production house, alleging a pattern of cover-ups in on-set deaths. AICWA emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, stating that workers often face threats when exposing the truth behind such incidents.

Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, is slated for release on October 2, 2025. The industry and audience alike await further developments in this growing controversy.