The last two years saw the Hindi film industry incur huge losses, with shoots being stalled and theatres shutting down due to the pandemic. It was only in September that things resumed in full swing. But now, with the threat of the Omicron variant of Coronavirus looming large, the industry has once again come face-to-face with the big question: How to not let history repeat?

Sharing his concern, filmmaker Anees Bazmee says, “The budget for most films has increased by 40% due to the adoption of several SOPs and facilitation of vaccination for everyone. The very thought of a third lockdown is giving me jitters. We will all be in a mess.”

Asserting that the third wave will severely impact show business, producer Amar Butala, says, “There’s no way to measure the loss of opportunity, given that the Christmas and New Year window sees huge footfalls in cinemas, and if we lose this window, it’d mean we’ve pretty much lost 2021.”

Producer Shaailesh R Singh, who is currently shooting in Omicron hotspot South Africa, says, “We don’t feel the looming fear of the Omicron variant, since we’re in a protected environment.”

And, for actor Nushrratt Bharuccha, health comes first. “No one can be prepared for another wave. However, even if work comes to a standstill, we’ll eventually bounce back by working double shifts.”

Actor Shruti Haasan, who was working throughout the pandemic phase, adds, “Some people think I’m mental. Many people don’t wear masks on set. But I tell myself I rather be paranoid, as we have to work and be safe at the same time.”

Trade analyst Atul Mohan feels the industry is more prepared: “Though much precaution isn’t taken in the smaller production houses, the big ones are making sure that they carry shoots forward only after all cast and crew members are vaccinated.”