Rishabh Shetty's Kantara 2 gets clean chit in preliminary probe from Karnataka Forest Minister

Rishab Shetty's upcoming prequel to Kantara has faced allegations of damaging forests, animals, and birds in Karnataka during filming. Locals from the Gavigudda forest area claim the team harmed the forest cover and disrupted wildlife. However, the Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has cleared the team of any forest violations following a preliminary investigation.

Khandre intervened after allegations surfaced about the use of explosives in the forest range during film shooting. He promptly wrote to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department, requesting a thorough investigation into the allegations and a report within 24 hours. 

According to Khandre's letter, the film had obtained permission to shoot in the area for 23 days, with a deadline of January 25. However, he emphasized that if any violations or disturbances were found, the shooting would need to be halted immediately.

The shooting of Kantara: Chapter 1, one of the most anticipated films, has been underway at the Gavigudda deemed forest range near Herur village in Hassan’s Sakleshpur taluk. Former Zilla Panchayat member Sanna Swamy has accused the filmmakers of harming animals and birds during production. 

He emphasized that farmers are already dealing with wild elephant attacks and criticized officials for neglecting the Supreme Court's directive to protect forests. Swamy urged immediate action to prevent further damage.

Tensions escalated on set when locals confronted the film crew, leading to a physical altercation that left a young man from the area injured. The injured individual was rushed to Crawford Hospital in Sakleshpur for treatment. Authorities have since filed a case at the Yesalur Police Station. Meanwhile, the film's producers and Rishab Shetty have yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations. 

The makers of Kantara announced the release date of the prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, as October 2, 2025. A teaser was released in November, featuring Rishab Shetty's character Shiva in a new avatar, with a narrative hinting at exploring the past and future.