The ongoing filming of Kantara Chapter 2 in Karnataka’s Gavi Betta is facing some serious trouble. On January 21, Karnataka’s Forest Minister, Eshwar Khandre, made a statement warning the movie’s production team that if they are found violating the conditions of their shooting permit, their permission to film could be revoked.
The movie, starring Rishab Shetty, is being shot in a delicate forest area in Heruru village, which lies within the Yeslur range of Sakleshpur in the Hassan district. The film crew had been granted a permit to shoot in this region, but this comes with strict rules to ensure minimal disruption to the local wildlife and environment.
According to Minister Khandre, Hombale Films, the production house behind Kantara, was given permission to shoot for 23 days on gomala land. This land is located on the edges of a designated forest area in Gavi Betta. The Deputy Conservator of Forest in Hassan had approved the shooting with conditions to protect the surrounding ecosystem.
However, it seems there are growing concerns. Some reports suggest that the film crew may have used firecrackers during the shoot, which could be disturbing the wildlife in the area. Local residents and environmentalists have raised alarms about how the loud noises are affecting the animals that live in the forest.
In response to these concerns, Minister Khandre has ordered an inspection of the area. Officials are being sent to check whether the crew has been following the rules. If it is found that the shooting has caused any harm to the environment or violated the terms of their permit, the crew will face action.
The forest minister made it clear that the shoot will be stopped immediately if any breach is found. “If the conditions are violated, we will halt the shooting, and action will be taken accordingly,” Khandre said. The minister’s statement has sparked a lot of debate, as both fans of the movie and environmental advocates are watching closely to see how the situation develops.
The film, which is a sequel to the hugely successful Kantara, has been generating a lot of buzz. Rishab Shetty’s performance and the gripping storyline have caught the attention of audiences. However, this potential setback has cast a shadow over the production.
The use of firecrackers, in particular, is under scrutiny. It’s common knowledge that loud noises can be stressful for wildlife. Animals, especially those in protected forests, rely on quiet environments for their survival. The forest department has made it clear that any actions that disturb wildlife in such areas are not acceptable.
The crew of Kantara had reportedly promised to follow all necessary protocols to ensure the safety of the environment and wildlife. But with these latest allegations, it seems that there may have been some oversight or disregard for these promises.
As the situation unfolds, the local community and the film industry are waiting for an official report from the forest department. For now, the future of the Kantara Chapter 2 shoot is hanging in the balance. If the crew is found in violation, the film’s production could face a major setback, with both legal and environmental consequences.
While fans are hoping for the issue to be resolved quickly, there are larger questions about the balance between creative freedom and environmental responsibility. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how future films are allowed to shoot in sensitive areas like Gavi Betta.