Over a month into TV shows airing fresh content, IFTPC member-producer Majethia says the audience has "moved on" to OTT platforms, news channels post the lockdown
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 15, 2020)

With film and TV shoots suspended during the first three months of the Coronavirus lockdown, the audience had turned their attention to OTT platforms for their daily dose of entertainment. News channels also witnessed a sharp spike in viewership as people kept abreast of the latest developments amid the pandemic. It marked a shift in the entertainment consumption pattern of the population that had considered daily soaps their primary source of entertainment for long. However, the true impact of the shift can only be gauged now as serials and reality shows have returned to the tube in the past six weeks.

J D Majethia, chairman, Indian Film and TV Producers' Council (IFTPC), TV and web wing, says television viewership has dipped post-lockdown. "Almost 20 per cent of our viewers have not returned to television. The TRP of my show Bhakarwadi was 0.7 in March, now it stands at 0.4. Similarly, shows like Kumkum Bhagya, Kundali Bhagya and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah have not been able to match their original ratings. The dip in the numbers will continue for some time as the Indian Premier League will begin soon. Several shows may go off air or will be replaced," he explains.

While streaming giants have become a worthy rival, Majethia states that news has emerged an unlikely competitor. "The audience is glued to OTT, movies and news. They have not been able to connect with daily shows. Plus, due to the ongoing Sushant [Singh Rajput] case, primetime news has become like a one-hour maha episode that the entire nation is watching," he says.

Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; July 6, 2020)

We had earlier told you that several film titles based on coronavirus have been registered, and now, lockdown and Galwan Valley are the latest words to feature in film titles. A source from a producers’ association tells us, “Maddock Films has registered the title Galwan Valley.”

Apparently, several filmmakers are exploring options for titles related to Ladakh and Indo-China, however, no other title has been registered yet. Ajay Devgn, too, making a film on the same topic.

TITLES RELATED TO THE LOCKDOWN HAVE ALSO BEEN REGISTERED
Filmmakers have showed interest in film titles related to the lockdown, like Corona Lockdown, and India Lockdown, among others. A source from Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) says, “We have received a query for the title Lockdown. The title Lockdown L Locha has been registered by Saregama Ltd.”

A film on the plight of migrant workers during the lockdown, titled Atmanirbhar, is to set go on the floors in August. It will tell the story of 15-year-old Jyoti Kumari, who cycled all the way from Gurgaon to her village in Darbhanga with her debilitated father as a pillion rider. She will also star in the film. Shine Krishna, who is directing the film, tells us that Sanjay Mishra has been roped in to play Jyoti’s father.

CORONA-BASED TITLES A HIT WITH FILMMAKERS
While Aanand L Rai has registered Coronavirus, Kumar Mangat has registered COVID-19. Reports also say that Madhur Bhandarkar’s production house has registered the titles Corona 2020, Corona Lockdown and India Lockdown. Madhur Bhandarkar said, “I always make films on topical issues so I will take up this issue. My production house has registered coronavirus and lockdown related titles.”

Corona Pyaar Hai, Corona 2020, One Weapon Corona, and Corona — The Deadly Virus are some of the corona-related titles which have been registered.

FILM TITLES REGISTERED BASED ON CURRENT EVENTS
- Galwan Valley
- Lockdown
- Lockdown L Locha
- Atmanirbhar
- Coronavirus
- COVID-19
- Corona 2020
- Corona Lockdown
- India Lockdown
- Corona Pyaar Hai
- One Weapon Corona
- Corona – The Deadly Virus

Mohua Das (THE TIMES OF INDIA; June 26, 2020)

Mumbai: Film and television bodies finally settled their long-pending issues on Thursday and decided to resume shooting with immediate effect after Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Cine And TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) and Indian Film and TV Producers’ Council (IFTPC) agreed to provide members two sets of Coronavirus insurance — a death cover of Rs 25 lakh and a hospitalization cover of Rs 2 lakh — as well as a reduction in the credit cycle for TV cast and crew from 90 days to 30 days for at least the first three months.

Even as cameras start rolling again with a scaled-down cast and crew and preventive measures, not everyone might be able to ride the wave, especially productions too big to accommodate massive staff, elaborate sets, and complex costumes and makeup.

After all, turbaning up to play Razia Sultan or twirling up Peshwa Bajirao’s moustache is not a one-person job. Period dramas are called costume dramas for a reason. When it comes to mythologies and historical dramas, the fold in a garment, details in the eye of a goddess or the shape of a scar are just as important as the storytelling.

The bag of tricks that makeup and hair artistes step into the green room with, to interpret a period through the look of each character, will now have to be reimagined given the social distancing norms laid down by the culture ministry that recommend actors do their own makeup and hair as well as trials and fittings at home.

Other than mythology, the small screen is flooded with fantasy and supernatural shows, most of which rely on latex, rubber, blood and prosthetics and can be nearly impossible to DIY under the current safety guidelines. “Costume dramas will take at least two or three months more to return to the floors since it is a complex affair. One-fourth of a day is invested in just getting a character ready,” says Sunjoy Wadhwa, founder, Sphereorigins, which made the historical drama Peshwa Bajirao.

Grand set constructions and a cast of hundred extras can be a challenge too in the wake of migrant exodus.

“Forty per cent of our junior artistes and second line of workers— lightmen, spotboys, makeup and set design artistes—who comprise the workforce for epics and historical sagas have gone to their hometowns,” said Ashoke Pandit, president of Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association.

But there’s always the trusted spectrum of computer-aided visual methods to fall back on. “Costume dramas use panoramic views. So, it is possible to widen the camera lens and shoot against a green screen for special effects,” says Wadhwa. Contiloe Pictures that pioneered historical and mythological shows on Indian TV, including 21 Sarfarosh: Saragarhi 1897, Jhansi ki Rani, Mahayoddha Rama and Vighnaharta Ganesh, is leaning on tech solutions to create crowds and geographies. “The situation gives us an impetus to innovate and explore a new language in the genre,” says Abhimanyu Singh, founder, Contiloe.

While television channels had once taken a gamble with these shows with budgets far higher than regular soaps, it may not pay off as it did in the past with advertising revenues on a downslide and broadcasters asking for budget cuts. “Technology is expensive and will push costs up but it’s about survival. We will have to start on a small scale, not get ambitious about grandeur,” says Dharmesh Shah, an old hand at directing period dramas like Shakuntala, Veer Shivaji, and Siya Ke Raam. “Shooting in studio sets outside city limits would help isolate a unit and reduce transmission risk.”

To help producers tide over crisis as shoots resume after 3 months
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 27, 2020)

Complying with the Indian Film and TV Producers Council’s (IFTPC) request for a staggered release of funds, broadcasters have waived off the deferred 95-day payment system. This will help makers pay the actors and technicians who were struggling to make ends meet after several shows came to a halt following the industry-wide Coronavirus lockdown, leading to further delay in payment.

“It is a major breakthrough. Now, the first installment of funds for 15 episodes will be released after 30 days of the telecast, the next within 45 days and the following after 60 days to maintain consistent cash flow. It will ease the pressure on show makers,” informs J D Majethia, producer and chairman of IFTPC, adding that this system will benefit actors and technicians. Monthly workers will receive payments in 30 days, too, but suppliers and business people will continue to be paid as per the earlier cycle.

While some of the broadcasters have agreed to follow the new payment structure for three months, others have promised to give it six months’ time. “Every channel has taken a call according to the situation. Whether this continues beyond the agreed time span, will depend on how business goes from here. If it works, they may continue even afterwards,” reasons Majethia.

Initially introduced to help producers keep the money circulating, the 95-day wait began the day after the telecast. And while the first three months were difficult, the cast and crew received payments on a monthly basis thereafter, unless there was a halt in production.

Asit Kumarr Modi, producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltaa Chashmah, asserts, “My cast and crew are like family and money was never an issue. But we have discussed the matter with the broadcasters and will follow the guidelines.”

Avinash Garg, executive producer of Mere Sai, who is waiting to complete some repair work on the sets, sees it as a positive step forward. “It will help keep the spirits high on the set after we resume shooting,” he avers.

Promising full payment to the cast and crew within a 30-day time-frame, Humsa Dhir, Head of Corporate Communications at Sony Pictures Network, adds, “The nature of the pandemic is such that nobody across the globe can predict its duration. As responsible broadcasters, we will do everything in our capacity to ensure the safety of our cast, crew and production partners.”

We reached out to other broadcasters, including Star Plus, Colors and Zee, but they chose not to comment.

Actor, producer, broadcaster associations in agreement
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 20, 2020)

Ever since Maharashtra government issued a General Resolution on May 31, allowing shoots in the state, various film and television bodies have been impatient to get back into action. But work won’t begin until the matter of insurance is resolved. Representatives of the Cine and Television Artistes Association (CINTAA), Indian Broadcasters Federation (IBF) and Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) agreed on this during a virtual meeting recently.

Mirror had reported earlier (June 17) that shooting of TV and web shows has begun in Kolkata with Rs 25 lakh insurance cover and if anyone contracts Coronavirus, the West Bengal government would bear the cost of the treatment. Amit Behl, senior joint secretary and chairperson, CINTAA, informed that while talks with insurance companies are on, the onus finally lies with the broadcasters. “For now, I can only say that the figure is bigger than Kolkata’s Rs 25 lakh and that there will be a uniform cover for the cast and crew,” he said.

Given that advertising revenue on TV has taken a hit, artistes and technicians will be asked to take a 15-35 per cent pay cut depending on their slab. Also, while shoots are being planned for the month-end, Amit says that within Mumbai, only Film City has started accepting applications. “The officials will assess the sets and give permissions based on urgency and if they are satisfied with the safety norms. The producers who have sets standing outside the city will apply to the respective District Collectors for permission to resume shoots,” he shares.

The reduction of the payment window of 90 days was also addressed. “The broadcasters have promised to discuss with their advertisers and also internally how they can reduce this window,” he added, saying perpetual defaulters will be blacklisted.

Pointing out that they employ many daily wage earners, J D Majethia hopes that work will re-start on closed, sanitised set with a small unit and precautions; to approach government with a proposal
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 20, 2020)

Before the nationwide Coronavirus lockdown, which started on March 25, Mirror (March 16) had reported that film and TV bodies, including the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA), Association of Advertising Producers (ASAP) and the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), had held a joint meeting on March 15 at which it was decided to stop all ongoing film, TV and OTT shoots for March 19-31. The restrictions were further extended to April 15 and then to May 3, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation.

Now, chairman of the TV wing of IFTPC, J D Majethia, informs that they plan to reach out to the government with a proposal that they be allowed to restart TV shoots in a protected environment from May 4. A plan of action is currently being developed.

“The PM, in his recent address, announced that keeping the daily wage earners in mind, some industries will be started, in phases, depending on how the situation improves. We have a lot of daily wage earners in our industry and we are working to approach the government with a request to be given preference. We can work out some SOPs, and with a small unit, we would like to be given permission to start shoots for TV on a closed set at the earliest. Right now, we feel we will be able to shoot after May 3,” says the producer. He is quick to add that no one’s health will be compromised by this move. “If we set required parameters, shoot in a sanitised zone and are extremely careful, then, we would like to be allowed to resume business slowly,” he adds.

Currently, most General Entertainment Channels are airing reruns of old shows, with no new episodes in the bank. Ramayan and Mahabharat reruns on Doordarshan have gathered record-breaking TRPs. Two of JD’s shows—Khichdi and Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai—are also being telecast on Star Bharat.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 17, 2020)

In a bid to tackle the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, it has been decided that shoots of all TV shows will be suspended from March 19 till March 31. The decision was taken on Sunday, in a meeting between the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), Western India Producers’ Association (WIPA). J D Majethia, chairman, IFTPC and producer of Bhakharwadi, informs, “Serial production is a vulnerable business. If shoots come to a halt, it leads to unbearable losses. However, nothing is more important than human life. As they say, the show will definitely go on, but we have taken a break to support the industry, state, country and the world at large.”

GET READY FOR RERUNS AND RECAPS
Despite commencing shoots in advance, it’s almost impossible to create a bank of episodes of TV shows. Reason: The storyline undergoes several changes based on the audience’s feedback and ratings. However, given the current scenario, an attempt is being made to shoot as many episodes as possible in a limited time, so that the audience isn’t deprived of their daily dose of entertainment. If the shoots don’t commence even after the banks of episodes are exhausted, viewers will get to see reruns of their favourite soaps.

Actress Aneri Vajani, who is seen in Pavitra Bhagya, says, “We are putting in more hours so that maximum number of episodes can be shot. Everyone is cooperating, and I hope that we meet the deadline. But more importantly, I hope this virus gets eliminated soon.”

Aishwarya Sakhuja, who plays Mahima Srinivasan in Yeh Hai Chahatein, adds, “We don’t have a bank of episodes, but I am glad that a lockdown has been declared. This suspension is the need of the hour. Hundreds of people work on our sets every day. Of these, many use public transport and they are at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. So, let’s take a break and get back stronger.”

Ashish Chowdhry, who is currently seen in Beyhadh 2, agrees that a ‘no show’ will have an adverse effect on the viewership. He says, “It will make a difference because people will lose their flow of watching shows and the habit will break. I hope we make some good reruns and recaps to keep them hooked.”

PAID LEAVES FOR DAILY WAGERS
While business will be affected, it’s daily-wage workers who will suffer maximum because of the lockdown. Ashok Dubey, general secretary FWICE, says, “Our members comprise at least 90 per cent of the unit. The decision has come as a huge blow to them, but nothing is more important than life. If anything happens to them, their families will suffer, too. We had issued a circular on March 5, instructing every producer to implement safety measures, but some of them didn’t implement them. Hence, we had to arrive at this decision to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Talking about the provision of paid leaves for the daily wagers during the shutdown phase, he adds, “The producers have told us that they will have a discussion with the broadcasters about this.”
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PRODUCERS WELCOME THE MOVE

This is the best decision we could have taken for the industry. I am thankful to the broadcasters, producers and other associations for joining hands to curb the spread of the virus. We have taken precautionary measures on our set — right from installing a fumigation machine to a doctor examining every member of the unit, and arranging for masks and sanitisers. However, these are only basic preventive measures. The best prevention is to exercise selfquarantine. The daily wagers will be badly affected, so I would urge every producer to give them half a day’s salary for the duration they won’t be shooting. They are our families and we can’t function without them. This is the least we can do to look after them. We have already promised them paid leaves if they are unwell, but with the shutdown coming into effect, we should help them sustain in these difficult times.

— Benaifer Kohli, producer of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain!
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A decision has been taken to stop all shoots, but other factors like telecast and ratings are still under discussion. A decision will be taken after a meeting between the producers and broadcasters, which is slated to take place soon. For now, we are working at breakneck speed to create a back of episodes. On March 30, we shall a take call on the next course of action after analysing the situation.

— Sumeet Mittal, producer of Shubharambh
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The health and safety of our team members are of paramount importance. I am not even taking into consideration the monetary loss or ratings. All that is secondary when it comes to human lives. In fact, along with the broadcaster, I have postponed the launch of my show, Anupamaa. For now, I have a bank of fresh episodes of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, which will last for a week. At a time like this, we can’t have double standards. We can’t have our families stay safe at home and expect the unit to work. I am sure the broadcasters and producers will devise an alternate plan for their respective shows. We can’t have fresh episodes and reruns going on air together.

— Rajan Shahi, producer of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Yeh Rishte Hain Pyaar Ke

Makers instructed to put film, television, OTT shoots on hold till March 31; ration, medical facilities being arranged for workers
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 16, 2020)

Mirror had recently reported (March 13) that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) were among film bodies that instructed filmmakers to maintain hygiene and safety guidelines on sets to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

On Sunday, representatives from the two film bodies, along with Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA), Association of Advertising Producers (ASAP) and Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), held a joint meeting at which it was decided to bring a halt to all ongoing film, TV and OTT shoots from March 19-31. “We have given everyone three days to wrap up pending work. The entire entertainment industry, including post-production work, will be on hold till March 31. Those shooting outside of India will have to return home,” said Birendra Nath Tiwari, President, FWICE.

When asked about the move’s impact on daily wage workers, Tiwari said, “The Federation is taking that into consideration. It’s a matter of just 11 days and health is the paramount concern. That said, we will try to arrange for ration and provide facilities for them. We already have an ambulance in place, along with free medicines and a doctor in case any worker needs emergency help.”

Ashoke Pandit, President, IFTDA, reiterated that lives are more important than monetary impact. “It’s an emergency situation with the entire nation fighting the virus. Lakhs of people are involved in shoots and it is our responsibility to take care of them,” he added.

Soon after the advisory, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra reached out to Pandit, along with Anubhav Sinha, Hansal Mehta, Sushant Singh, Sameer Nair and Nikkhil Advani on Twitter, with a question: “Shouldn’t we set up a fund for the junior technicians, our light boys, set workers, sound assistants etc?” His industry friends, along with others like Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap and Manish Mundra, offered support to the initiative.

The title Corona Pyaar Hai is among the first to be registered by a filmmaker
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; March 15, 2020)

In the midst of all the panic about Coronavirus around the world, and now in India, some of our Bollywood filmmakers have wasted no time in grabbing the word ‘corona’ for their future movie titles. While we have seen several memes on social media where ‘corona’ has been used in Bollywood film titles for humour, we have learnt that a film title has actually been registered, giving a funny twist to the Hrithik Roshan’s 2000 superhit, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. It is Eros International that has gone ahead and registered Corona Pyaar Hai as a film title.

A source from IFTPC (Indian Film and Television Producer Council) informed that the production house registered Corona Pyaar Hai as their film title last week. When we contacted producer Krishika Lulla, she confirmed the news saying, “We are planning a love story set against the backdrop of the epidemic. Currently, we are fine-tuning the script and are waiting for the situation to normalise, as things have come to a standstill now. Once everything is normal, we will start the project.”

Another film body, IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association), too, confirms that they have also witnessed film producers rushing in to register coronabased film titles. “We have already registered one called Deadly Corona,” informed a source.

Even in the past, it has been seen that filmmakers have made a beeline to get titles registered based on real-life events and catastrophes. At the time when Article 370 was revoked, film associations had reportedly received requests for registering titles like Article 370, Kashmir Hamara Hai, Article 370 Abolished and Kashmir Mein Tiranga among others. Similarly, following the Pulwama terror attack and the Balakot air strike, titles like Abhinandan, The Air Strike Of Pulwama, India Strikes Back and Surgical Strike 2.0 were quickly registered by filmmakers keen on making movies on these subjects.

Rachana Dubey and Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 15, 2020)

The COVID-19 epidemic has impacted life across the country, including Metros like Delhi and Mumbai. On Friday, the Maharashtra government announced that gyms, malls, cinema halls and swimming pools will be closed till March 31 to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Film releases, live shows, concerts and sporting events have also been postponed. In keeping with the ongoing situation, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is planning to put all the film, TV and ad-film shoots on hold for a few days as a preventive measure.

FILM BODIES TO MEET TODAY
FWICE’s President Birendra Nath Tiwari told BT, “Shoots for films, TV shows and ads are like public gatherings, and masks and sanitisers alone won’t help in such a situation. For the sake of people’s lives, we, too, can stop work for a few days.” In fact, FWICE has been speaking to various producers’ bodies regarding this. A meeting between members of the Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA), Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) and FWICE will be held today to decide a plan of action.

‘WE WANT TO DRAW UP A WORKABLE PLAN’
Ashoke Pandit told BT, “The idea is not to put a blanket stop on work. We want to draw up a workable plan to ensure that if individual producers, technicians and actors decide to continue work, they are safe. Having sanitisers, masks and medical help at hand and maintaining hygiene are crucial and sets will be monitored for that. More than 50 per cent of this industry works on daily pay packets. Those workers will suffer a great deal if shoots come to a complete halt,” he told BT.

FWICE has already written to producers, requesting them to refrain from shooting in countries affected by COVID-19. They have also been asked to report if any individual who has travelled from a COVID-19-affected region is present on their set. Feroz Khan, the chairman for health and safety vigilance in the FWICE, said, “A few film shoots are on in Lucknow and Banaras, but they are following strict regulations. Anyone with any symptom of COVID-19 is being sent to the nearest medical facility with their payment cleared up to that day.”



TV SETS IMPLEMENT STRICT MEASURES
Meanwhile, the television industry has also implemented measures to fight the situation. While shoots can’t be stalled because of telecast demands and a paucity of bank of episodes, the makers and the crew of TV shows have come together to spread awareness. The Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) has issued a directive to all producers, asking them to take the necessary precautionary steps. J D Majethia, chairman of IFTPC and the producer of TV show Bhakharwadi, said, “We have requested broadcasters to urge producers to educate their crew and also maintain hygiene on their sets. We are putting up posters in two-three languages with simple instructions about precautionary measures. We are also encouraging those suffering from any COVID-19 symptoms to bring it to our notice so that we can help them get immediate medical attention. We already have doctors visiting sets to check every worker thoroughly. Those who aren’t feeling well will get paid leaves. We have also requested junior workers to not send in their replacement, which happens in most cases, so that there is no confusion regarding who is working on a given day”.

‘THOSE UNWELL NEEDN’T FEAR PAY-CUTS’
Siddharth Kumar Tewary, producer of RadhaKrishn, shared, “We have asked the office staff to work from home. Those who can’t, like the ones working in the post-production and edit departments, are advised to report only when there is work. On the set, you will find everyone with a mask on. We have ensured that bottles of sanitisers are kept at every 10 to 15 feet. We have also formed a team that ensures that everybody washes their hands and sanitises them frequently. Actors’ make-up rooms, lunch area and bedrooms are disinfected and cleaned every half an hour.”

Kinnari Mehta, producer of Maddam Sir, told us, “Apart from providing sanitisers and soaps, we have instructed each and every member of the unit to practise respiratory hygiene. We also make sure that people bringing food for the unit are wearing gloves all the time. Everyone wears a mask during the shoot and post it.”

Mahesh Pandey, producer of Vidya, says, “We have ensured that sets are cleaned frequently. We have also distributed masks and sanitisers to everyone. Anyone who has been feeling under the weather has been asked to take an off without any fear of a pay cut.”
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TV SHOW TO AIR AN EPISODE ON CORONAVIRUS

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is currently shooting an episode on the epidemic. Dilip Joshi, who plays Jethalal in the show, says, “Coronavirus is a pandemic and, unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation doing the rounds. So, our producer Asit Kumarr Modi and the creative team have decided to spread awareness through our show.”

Film bodies spring into action; IFTDA, IMPPA issue advisory to production houses to maintain hygiene on film sets while FWICE to hold a meeting today
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 13, 2020)

Mirror had earlier reported (February 7) that Ronnie Screwvala’s upcoming production, Sitara, which was to roll in Kerala last month, was delayed after the government declared Coronavirus outbreak a state calamity. On Thursday, the makers of Sooryavanshi announced that the release of the Rohit Shetty directorial, which is fronted by Akshay Kumar, has been indefinitely postponed.

With the fate of several other forthcoming films in limbo, Indian Film & TV Directors’ Association (IFTDA), Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA) have sprung into action to combat the outbreak.

According to Ashoke Pandit, President, IFTDA, the film bodies have instructed filmmakers to closely monitor films sets to assure that proper hygiene is maintained. “Masks will also be distributed to workers and technicians, while we are seeking doctors’ advice on how to take care of our members,” he informs.

IMPPA has sent out circulars, asking its members to take necessary precautions in workspaces. Birendra Nath Tiwari, President, FWICE, informs that a meeting has been scheduled for later today with the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) and several TV channels. “Schools and colleges have been shut and exams postponed for the sake of safety. A film shoot is not more important than a human life. However, a final call will be taken only after the meeting. The virus is spreading, and we will have to analyse the situation before taking a call,” Tiwari signs off.

Following Centre’s move to remove J&K’s special status, over 50 filmmakers have thronged film bodies to register titles such as ‘Article 370’, ‘Article 35A’
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 7, 2019)

Soon after Indian Air Force’s strike in Balakot on February 26 in response to Pakistan’s attack on CRPF personnel in Srinagar, Bollywood producers thronged the offices of Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA), Producers Guild of India and Indian Film TV Producers Council (IFTPC) to register film titles—post the success of Uri: The Surgical Strike barely a month ago, the event was identified, among other things, as premise for another potential blockbuster. Names like Pulwama: The Deadly Attack, Surgical Strike 2.0, Balakot and Pulwama Attacks, among others were blocked within no time. One particularly visionary filmmaker claimed a title referring to IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who had received a hero’s welcome after being held captive across the border for 60 hours.

Now, the Central Government’s decision to revoke Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, has elicited a similar reaction. Between Monday and Tuesday, over 50 titles pertaining to the historic move are said to have been registered at various Hindi film bodies. “Taking a cue from the success of (Anubhav Sinha’s recently released Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer) Article 15, the titles ‘Article 370’ and ‘Article 35A’ are the first choice of most filmmakers. The associations have received at least 25-30 applications for them,” reveals a source close to the development, adding that the more theatrically-inclined ones have opted for titles like ‘Kashmir Mein Tiranga’, ‘Kashmir Hamara Hai’, ‘Dhara 370’ and ‘Dhara 35A’.

The source goes on to reveal that top production houses are also entering the fray. “Some of them are keen to seek permission at the earliest to make a film on the event so that they can proceed with the research, cast and get other logistics in place.”

Trade analyst Atul Mohan points out, “Filmmakers had rushed to register titles around the Uri attacks, Pulwama attacks and demonetization as well. Films on such subjects pique the audience’s curiosity.”

Anand Pandit, producer of the PM Narendra Modi biopic featuring Vivek Oberoi, downplays the timing of the phenomenon by saying that he had registered the titles ‘Article 370’ and ‘Article 35A’ a month ago. “I wanted to explore why one state was granted such privileges. But after the historic redrawing of our map by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I have just found the perfect ending for my film. From a film based on history, it is now going to be a historic film,” he says.

Filmmaker Vijay Galani also insists us that he has been working on a script set in Kashmir for a while now, and given the current political scenario, ‘Article 370’ makes for a perfect title. “Following the decision on Monday, someone suggested that I get two titles— ‘Article 370’ and ‘Article 35A’—registered. You will hear more about my film soon,” he promises.