Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 22, 2020)

Before the lockdown came into force (around March-end), a number of Bollywood films were going ahead in full steam. But then, Coronavirus brought everything to a screeching halt. One of the films that got stopped in its tracks is Anees Bazmee’s Kartik Aaryan-Kiara Advani starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which was being shot in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Now, although a number of filmmakers are trying to work out strategies vis-a-vis restarting shoot, there’s no clarity yet. The same holds true for BB2 makers as well.

“We’ve to go back to Lucknow itself for the film’s shooting, especially in order to maintain the continuity,” says director Anees Bazmee. “And travelling (to Lucknow) would involve a lot of planning as we have to ensure every cast and crew member’s safety and well-being. How would that happen? What precautionary measures have to be taken? And when would be the best period to go there and start work? All these things have to be minutely planned and worked out. Also, the entire unit — including the actors — has to be fully confident about it,” he says.

Bazmee says he is in “constant touch” with his producers (about restarting the shoot). “But as of now, there’s no clarity on exactly when we will go on floors again. Unfortunately, the numbers of Coronavirus cases are increasing, so it’s difficult to chalk out an exact plan. But we are hopeful and positive. So, let’s see,” says Bazmee, who is currently at his Lonavala home with family. “I don’t remember the last time I spent so much time with my family,” he says with a smile.
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The UP connect!
Last week, Chandan Roy Sanyal and Sanjay Mishra wrapped up a schedule of their film, Woh Teen Din, in Varanasi. Randeep Hooda might head to Lucknow to shoot his film, Mard. Also, Aanand L Rai as well as Kushan Nandy are likely to go back to the state to restart work on their respective next films.