Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray informed film and television producers to coordinate with the State police department regarding the location and timings of their shooting in and around Mumbai.
According to a report by the Indian Express, the chief minister’s secretariat released a statement saying that he had held a virtual meeting with the Film Producers Guild on Saturday, where the organisation stressed the need for extending the shooting times beyond 4 pm.
Producers Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra, Nagraj Manjule, Subodh Bhave, Ritesh Sidhwani, and Ravi Jadhav were a part of the meeting.
The Hindustan Times reported that the producers were satisfied with the Chief Minister’s response. “We have asked for permission to shoot after 4 pm as for certain scenes the shooting during the night is a must. Few films have been stuck incomplete because of the requirement of night shooting. We have assured the government to take all precautions and follow the norms we have been following during day shifts of shooting” said Ritesh Sidhwani.
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The Chief Minister also told the producers to ensure that Covid-19 guidelines are followed and Covid tests are conducted on a regular basis. “The second wave has not subsided fully and the third wave has come in some countries. So, we will have to follow the Covid norms. In Mumbai and across Maharashtra, film producers should conduct Covid tests of their artistes and staff at regular intervals and both the doses of vaccine should be given to them,” he said.
Thackeray also mentioned that there have been cases where despite having a bio bubble system at sporting events, there were cases of Covid-19 infections.
“Mumbai Police also should seek information about shooting time-table, place, and timings from producers. A nodal officer should be appointed to grant permission after ensuring that all the norms are being followed,” he said.
Maharashtra recorded 8,172 cases and 124 deaths on Saturday.