Less people on a set means less people employed, says Boman
The lockdown has been difficult on everybody, but it’s about how people are coping with it which is more important,” says Boman Irani. The Munna Bhai M.B.B.S (2003) actor says that “it has been less hard on us — people with hard roofs and three-square meals everyday as compared to ones who don’t”. “I don’t think we are in any position to grumble. We should be grateful. Yes, it does get a little frustrating. But this is what it is and we have to just get along with it. The more you grumble, the worst it is going to be for you,” he opines.
Ask him about shoots resuming in the country, and he says, “Honestly, I don’t know and I don’t think I am in a position to talk about when shoots will begin. It is a conjecture. But it depends on a lot of factors. When the time is good, the shoots will begin.” So, does he think shooting with less people on the sets will be a challenge? “Adapting to situations like we are doing today and doing stuff from home, we will find our way to do newer things. I don’t think it will be a challenge,” she shares.
However, Irani has another concern when it comes to fewer people on the sets. “Less people on a set means less people will be employed. That hurts me more. Of course, that will be a greater challenge than making movies with a thinner unit,” he says.
About people preferring to watch films on OTT platforms than in the movie theatres in the future, he says that “all of this is temporary”. “I don’t know how long it will take. People have been watching movies on OTT platforms and they will continue to do so. (However) There is restlessness among people. And I think when the waters are safe and the sharks have all swam away, people would like to go back to the theatres. With trepidation, of course, but once things are safer the theatres will fill up again,” adds Irani.
Personally, Irani agrees that it might not be the right time to start shooting. “Not now for sure. But if it has to be done, it has to be done with extreme caution and manic hand washing and sanitising. If that will be the method people are ready to follow in a regimental way like it’s an army rule, then there will be a slow infiltration to the studios. There will be a great amount of discipline required,” he signs off.