Kantara Chapter 1 Shoot: Videos of junior artists’ alleging nonpayment by Hombale Films go viral

Team Udayavani, Nov 11, 2024, 2:33 PM IST

Bengaluru: The filming of Kantara Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films, is progressing rapidly. Recently, the team began a mega 60-day schedule for this high-budget pan-India film project, which features well-known actors and several junior artists in supporting roles.

Junior artists from various regions, including Bengaluru and Kerala, have joined the shoot. However, some of them have now voiced grievances against the production team, alleging improper treatment and delayed payments.

Videos capturing these allegations have gone viral on social media.

Allegations in the Viral Videos:

In the videos, the junior artists allege that they were not given adequate payment or proper facilities. “We were asked to come for a month, but it’s been five days, and we’re still waiting for basic arrangements like room changes. We haven’t received any payments yet, and we don’t even have enough money for bus fare. We have been waiting all morning without food. There are women here as well, and everyone is struggling. If anything happens to anyone, who will take responsibility?” one artist is heard saying in the video.

The artists further mentioned injuries to their hands and feet, with some even suffering from fevers without receiving adequate medical attention. “Is this the respect that junior artists deserve?” one artist questioned.

ಈವರ ಮಾತು ಕೇಳಿ ತುಂಬಾ ನೋವಾಯ್ತು. ಕಲಾವಿದರಿಗೆ ಸಿಗೋ ಬೆಲೆ ಇದು 🙏#HombaleFilms #kantarachapter1 #bengaluru #kfi_official #dboss @shetty_rishab #rishabhshetty pic.twitter.com/B8Xt6XJw9X

— 𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐋 🤍🌸 (@Dilwal7999) November 11, 2024

However, another individual posted a video requesting others to remove the viral content, stating, “We received our payment, and the food and accommodation were fine. Hombale Films has a good reputation; please delete these videos.”

At the time of publication, Hombale films had not issued any statement or clarification regarding the issue.