**‘Kantara’: Hombale Films Cancels Chennai Event Following Karur Stampede Tragedy**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 30, 2025, 4:35 PM*
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Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated movie, **Kantara: Chapter 1**, is slated for release on Thursday, October 2. To promote the film, a special event was planned to take place in Chennai on Tuesday, September 30. However, in light of a recent tragic incident, Hombale Films has decided to cancel the promotional event.
### Cancellation in Solidarity After Karur Stampede
The announcement came following a deadly stampede at actor Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which claimed at least 41 lives and injured around 60 others. The tragedy unfolded as thousands gathered to see the actor-politician during his campaign rally for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, leading to chaos when the crowd surged toward the barricades.
Taking to social media, Hombale Films released a statement expressing their condolences and explaining the cancellation:
> “In view of the recent unfortunate incident, we have decided to cancel our Kantara Chapter 1 promotional event scheduled in Chennai tomorrow. We believe this is a time for reflection and solidarity with those affected. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families impacted.”
### Vijay Offers Support to Victims’ Families
In response to the tragedy, Vijay expressed his heartfelt condolences and announced financial aid for the victims’ families — ₹20 lakh for each family of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured. Many victims were rushed to hospitals following the chaos at the event.
### About ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’
Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, **Kantara: Chapter 1** serves as a prequel to the 2022 hit film *Kantara*. This chapter delves deeper into mythological traditions and uncovers the ancestral conflicts introduced in the original movie. Apart from Shetty, the film stars Gulshan Devaiah and Rukmini Vasanth in lead roles.
The film’s release is expected to compete at the box office against Sunny Deol’s *Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari*, which features Varun Dhawan, Sanya Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor, and Rohit Saraf.
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*Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the Karur tragedy during this difficult time.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/kantara-chapter-1-chennai-event-canceled-after-karur-rally-stampede/story
