Madhya Pradesh turned into a film shoot hub in Covid times, before the second wave because of stunning locales and easier policies in place. In 2020-21, 35 projects including films, web-series and TV serials were shot in the state, said an official of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB).
There were close to 6-7 project shoots that were halted amid the coronavirus pandemic in MP, including Love Hostel starring Vikrant Massey, Sanya Malhotra and Bobby Deol produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. There is also, Ponniyin Selvan, an upcoming Indian Tamil-language historical drama film written, directed and co-produced by Mani Ratnam and starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the leading role. Dhaakad, starring Kangana Ranaut was also recently shot in MP.
According to a report in Bhaskar, Madhya Pradesh government is planning to allow the shoots of films, web series and TV serials very soon. There is an exercise to bring the shoots under the purview of Industrial Works, and half a dozen projects can be resumed from mid-June. MP Tourism officials have confirmed this.
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Tourism Officer Honey Dixit was quoted saying, “Verbally, the works related to the glamor world are considered industrial works. But, whether it is in writing or not, it is being seen. Anyway, 90 percent of the districts of the state are unlocked. Clarity will come in a few days as to where shooting is possible in the state.”
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Whereas in Mumbai, Cine Workers Body FWICE has written a letter to CM Uddhav Thackeray to allow shooting in Mumbai under the Industry Act. BN Tiwari, head of FWICE, said, “Lakhs of cine artists, workers and technicians are sitting at home unemployed for the last one and a half years. Daily wage workers are completely dependent on shootings. The lockdown in Mumbai has been extended again for 15 days. In this case, the situation will become more dire, especially when we also come under the purview of the Industrial Act. We assure that we will shoot on the sets with full precaution and protocol.”
