22 April,2021 07:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Gangubai Kathiawadi has about 20 days of work left
The fate of Bollywood shoots, which were put on hold since April 15, hangs in the balance as the state government imposed stricter curbs that will be in effect till the early hours of May 1. Several big-ticket productions, including Alia Bhatt-led Gangubai Kathiawadi and Deepika Padukone's yet-untitled next with Shakun Batra, were to wrap up in April. For now though, the movie industry has no option but to wait and watch even as the clock ticks on and production expenses soar.
"Sanjay Leela Bhansali has 20 days of shoot left after which he can call it a wrap on his cherished project. Shakun has only five days' work left, which requires lead actors Deepika and Siddhant Chaturvedi to shoot at the Gateway of India. While the team didn't get the necessary permissions in early April, the shutdown that followed soon after only delayed things further. Similarly, Aamir Khan had planned a 20-day final schedule of Laal Singh Chaddha in Mumbai for April-end. Even after the situation stabilises, Aamir may shoot the portions outside Mumbai," reveals a source. The superstar's son Junaid, meanwhile, is learning of the unpredictability that comes with the profession - the youngster had only begun filming his debut venture Maharaja in Marol when the junta curfew brought it to a halt. It has been tough luck for Taapsee Pannu too, who, after months of cricket training, had faced the camera for Shabaash Mithu on April 5.
Some films have been held off even before they hit the ground. "Shah Rukh Khan's production Darlings, starring Alia, was to roll this month. After she tested COVID-19 positive, the stint was delayed. Now, she will kick off work on Darlings only after she finishes her portions of Gangubai Kathiawadi," adds the source. While most web series have hit the pause button, Sushmita Sen's Aarya 2 is said to be progressing swiftly in Rajasthan. Netflix's new non-fiction show, Social Currency, is expected to roll in Goa soon.
Waiting is a luxury that the television industry cannot afford, with the pressure of airing fresh episodes looming large. BN Tiwari, president, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), says that the units of almost 29 shows shifted to other states last week. "Most of Ekta Kapoor's serials, including Kumkum Bhagya and Kundali Bhagya, have moved to Goa. Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti is being filmed in Gujarat, and Shaurya Aur Anokhi Ki Kahani, at an Umbergaon studio. The units of Imlie and Namak Issk Ka have moved to Hyderabad," he reveals.
