Many TV show producers moved their units to different states after shootings in Maharashtra came to a halt in mid-April due to the spike in Coronavirus cases. Now, with the new government resolution (GR), which will mark the unlock phase in various stages, makers are looking forward to returning to Mumbai. However, confusion regarding the shooting hours has them hit the panic button. According to the GR, shoots will be allowed to take place from 7 am to 5 pm in a bio-bubble. The producers are of the opinion that they would need a full shift of 12 hours to meet the telecast demands and deadlines.

Talking about the challenges that makers are bound to face, J D Majethia, who is the producer of Wagle Ki Duniya - Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey and also the chairman of Indian Films and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), says, “We hope shoots resume in Maharashtra later this month. We are waiting for an official announcement from the state government regarding the date. While other challenges like winding the current storyline that was tweaked to accommodate the change in the location, and shooting in a bio-bubble, can be dealt with easily, our biggest concern is the number of shooting hours. It’s practically impossible to shoot an episode in 10 hours when the show is telecast six days a week.” 

He further adds, “We should not forget that the monsoon is all set to arrive in Mumbai, which tends to delay the shooting process. We hope that the authorities will take our request into account and extend the number of hours.”

Show makers are keen to return to Mumbai, but there are various production matters that need to be taken care of. Amir Jaffar, who has three shows on air (Tujhse Hai Raabta, Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha and Qurbaan Hua), shares, “Everyone is eagerly waiting to return home. It will be good to be back, ghar toh jaane milega sabko. However, before that, we have to take stock of a lot of things. First and foremost is the renovation of the set owing to the damage caused by Cyclone Tauktae. Apart from that, we still need clarity over the shooting hours. One would need a full shift to finish work and meet the deadline.”

Sumeet Mittal, producer of shows like Barrister Babu and Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye, says, “I have heard that the issue of shooting hours is going to be reviewed soon. The practical aspect of shooting will be put forward to the authorities again. While I am not certain about the date when the shoot will resume in Maharashtra, I hope we are granted sufficient shooting hours. We will be shooting in a bio-bubble and strictly adhering to the protocols.”

However, Saurabh Tewari, the producer of Pinjara Khubsurti Ka, says that a bio-bubble isn’t a foolproof way of working. He adds, “It’s not possible to make actors stay on set, and one can’t be certain that there will be no contact with the outside world. Since there are a lot of uncertainties around the resuming of the shoot in Maharashtra, I believe that most producers will continue working the way they have been for the past one-and-a-half months for some more time till we get clarity and shooting resumes in Mumbai. We will have to wait to see what kind of restrictions come into force. It’s better to return home when the restrictions are minimum and the situation is better and under control.”

Due to restrictions imposed in Maharashtra since April 14, many TV shoots had relocated to different parts of the country. Several TV shows had moved to Goa during this time and resumed filming. But with Coronavirus cases rising, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the state would impose a lockdown from 7 pm on Thursday (April 29) night, which will go on till early Monday morning (May 3). Initially, there was confusion about whether production houses would be allowed to shoot, however, now things are clearer.

According to Sandeep Korecha, the president of the Goa Line Producers Association, producers have received permits to shoot indoors until May 30. “We are allowed to shoot at indoor venues, until May 30, even during the lockdown. Outdoor shoots aren’t permitted. We have also been asked to shoot with minimum crew members. We put an indicator on our vehicles, so that they’re allowed to pass during the lockdown,” he says.

In the last few days, TV shows including Kumkum Bhagya, Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha, Shaurya Aur Anokhi Ki Kahani, Yeh Hai Chahatein, Kundali Bhagya, Apna Time Bhi Aayega, Tujhse Hai Raabta and Qurbaan Hua relocated to Goa. While most of them are staying and shooting at resorts, some have rented villas.

Sehban Azim, who is shooting for his TV show Tujhse Hai Raabta there, says, “We are shooting in a resort and living in a bio bubble-like format, we are taking all the necessary precautions and following the protocols, so it shouldn’t be a problem because there are no restriction on shooting indoors.”

Amir Jaffar, producer of Tujhse Hai Raabta and Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha, has however decided to take a three-day break. He says, “For both the shows, we have a bank of episodes, so we plan to take a break and observe how things pan out.”

With the possibility of restrictions being further extended in Maharashtra, makers don’t feel they have the option of returning to Mumbai yet. A source close to a production house says, “There is a possibility that restrictions in Mumbai may continue for another two weeks, hence producers who have moved out of the city are not thinking of returning anytime soon. They’d rather wait and watch.”

— With inputs from Flexcia D’Souza