Overview

• Veteran mimicry artist Kalabhavan Niju, 43, suffered a fatal heart attack on June 13 while shooting in Bengaluru and could not be revived.
• His death marks the third fatality linked to Kantara: Chapter 1 following junior artiste M.F. Kapil’s drowning in May and actor Rakesh Poojary’s cardiac arrest earlier that month.
• Niju was staying at a homestay arranged for the cast when he complained of severe chest pain and was rushed to a local hospital.
• Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to Rishab Shetty’s 2022 hit Kantara, with Shetty reprising the lead role in the historical fantasy action film.
• Produced by Hombale Films, the project has endured multiple setbacks but is still set for its October 2, 2025 release.