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The Karnataka forest department is probing allegations of damage to forest cover and disturbance to wildlife against the ‘Kantara 2’ crew, which is shooting in the Gavigudda deemed forest range in Hassan
The first movie, ‘Kantara’, released in September 2022 and became India’s fourth highest grosser, catapulting director-actor Rishab Shetty to national fame. (Image: News18/File)
Karnataka forest minister on Monday said there were no violations by the Kantara 2 film crew, as per a preliminary probe into allegations of damaging forest cover and disturbing wildlife during shooting.
Khandre, however, said there will be strict action in case of any violation. The film Chapter, or Kantara 2, is being shot at the Gavigudda deemed forest range near Herur village in Hassan’s Sakleshpur taluk. The movie is scheduled for an October 2025 release.
But, local residents and a former zilla panchayat member, Sanna Swamy, have expressed outrage against the crew of the Rishab Shetty-starrer. Khandre stepped in after they alleged the use of explosives in the forest range during the shooting of the film.
The minister wrote to the additional chief secretary of the forest department, asking a team to probe the allegations and provide a report in the next 24 hours. His letter states that the film received permission to shoot in the area for a duration of 23 days till January 25. He added that in case of any violation or disturbance, the shooting must be stopped.
The first movie, Kantara, released in September 2022 and became India’s fourth highest grosser, catapulting director-actor Rishab Shetty to national fame. The movie also won twin accolades at the 70th National Film Awards, bagging the title of ‘best popular film providing wholesome entertainment’ and ‘best actor’ for Shetty.
Kantara 2 is not the only film to have a run-in with the Karnataka forest department. Last year, Geetu Mohandas directorial and Yash-starrer Toxic, too, ran into trouble after Khandre alleged that the crew felled trees to erect a set in Bengaluru’s Peenya. An FIR was subsequently registered, but the Karnataka High Court stayed further proceedings against the film in December last year.