'Kantara: Chapter 1’ Team Suffers Another Loss As Artist Viju V.K. Dies Of Heart Attack During Production

Kantara: Chapter 1 Artist Viju V.K. Passes Away: The crew of Kantara: Chapter 1 has been hit by yet another tragedy, with the death of actor and mimicry artist Viju V.K. during the film's ongoing shoot. As reported by Asianet Suvarna News, Viju, who hailed from Thrissur in Kerala, suffered a fatal heart attack while staying at a homestay in Agumbe, located in Karnataka's Thirthahalli Taluk. The incident reportedly took place on the night of June 11.

According to the report, Viju had been residing at the homestay for the duration of the shoot. He began experiencing sudden chest pain late at night. Despite the efforts of locals, who attempted to rush him to JC Hospital in Thirthahalli, he was declared dead before arrival. His body was reportedly taken to the government hospital in Thirthahalli, where a postmortem examination is expected to be conducted once his family arrives from Kerala.

Third death reported from the film's team in two months

This is the third death reported from the team of Kantara: Chapter 1 in just over two months. Earlier, on May 6, crew member M.F. Kapil drowned in the Souparnika River near Kollur while taking a break from the shoot. Just days later, on May 12, comedian Rakesh Poojary also passed away from a heart attack while attending a wedding. He reportedly collapsed while dancing and could not be revived.

All three deaths occurred during the ongoing production of the film. The series of tragedies has drawn attention within the Kannada film industry and among the wider public. These successive losses have cast a shadow over the filming process and deeply affected the cast and crew.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 Kannada hit Kantara. Directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films, the upcoming film is set in the historical backdrop of the Kadamba dynasty. Rishab Shetty also stars in the film, which is slated for a global release on October 2, 2025. While the teaser and first-look poster were unveiled in November 2023, the full cast lineup remains undisclosed.