The Coronavirus lockdown and outbreak has created havoc in the country with industries and the economy taking a hit. The lockdown 5.0 has been announced but a lot of restrictions are set to be uplifted especially in the entertainment industry. As soon as the new government resolutions get CM Uddhav Thackeray’s approval, shooting of ads, shows and films will commence over the next few days. Reportedly, the first film to hit the floors will be Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi that stars Alia Bhatt in the lead.
Ashok Dubey, General Secretary of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) told a leading daily, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali was already shooting in Filmcity and his set is still there. So the possibility is that his movie will be the first to resume shooting with the necessary precautions, once the permission is granted by CM. Boney Kapoor ji’s film was being shot in Madh Island, his sets have been covered and he may begin shooting once the lockdown ends. A lot of filmmakers have kept their sets intact, waiting to start shoot post lockdown.”
However, he also stated that in order to ensure that the government guidelines are followed a supervisor would be needed to monitor and look over things. Talking about the protocols that need to be followed he said, “The new protocols include the basic Governmental guidelines that ensure people are wearing masks on the sets, there are sanitizers on the set and basic sanitation processes are followed. Producers have been asked to keep the number of people on the set low to about just 30 percent.”
He also said that big stars might not be willing to come to the sets and said, “Frankly speaking, I don’t think big stars will be willing to come. As far as daily soap actors are concerned, they might be willing to come back on the sets as it has been about two months since the lockdown. Even daily wage workers are waiting for the shootings to start so that they can earn their livelihood. As far as big stars are concerned, they might shoot parts where a large crowd of people on the sets are not required – like scenes which are shot indoors or the ones where only a few people on the set are present.”
(Source: TOI)
