Over the past two years, the Hindi film industry has suffered huge losses, with filming stalled and cinemas closed due to the pandemic. It wasn’t until September that things got back to full swing. But now, with the threat of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 looming, the industry is again faced with the big question: How not to let history repeat itself?
Sharing his concern, filmmaker Anees Bazmee said, “The budget for most films made has increased by 40% due to the adoption of several SOPs and the facilitation of vaccination for everyone. The mere thought of a third confinement gives me nervousness. We will all be in a big mess because no one is prepared. ”
Claiming that the third wave, if there is one, will have a severe impact on show business, producer Amar Butala says losing that window would mean we’ve pretty much lost 2021. ”
Producer Shaailesh R Singh, who is currently filming in Omicron’s hotspot in South Africa, says the unit has prepared for the worst: “No further guidance has been given to us. We do not feel the looming fear of the Omicron variant since we are in a protected environment.
Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha, meanwhile, believes that we can cope with the stoppage of filming and that health must come first. “No one will be prepared for another wave. However, even if the work stops, we will eventually bounce back by working in duplicate, as we did after the lockdown was lifted, ”she shares.
Actor Shruti Haasan, who worked most of 2020 and 2021, adds, “Some people think I’m completely crazy. Many of them do not wear masks on the set. But I tell myself that I prefer to be paranoid because we have to work and be super safe at the same time.
Business analyst Atul Mohan says many production houses have a process in place to survive another hurdle. “The industry is better prepared than the last time. Although many precautions are not taken in small production houses because they have a “chalta hai” attitude, the large ones make sure that they do not move forward with the shoots until all the actors and members of the production team are ready. ‘team are vaccinated,’ he concludes.
