As shoots in India seem to be resuming slowly, producers are opting for foreign locations to complete their pending films WHAT'S THE NEXT LOCALE FOR BOLLYWOOD?
While the Covid-19 pandemic upended the film industry badly, it is now in restart mode with several productions trying to resume shoots. Recently, the cast and crew of Bell Bottom, including Akshay Kumar, Huma S Qureshi, headed to the UK to kick-start the shoot, while Aamir Khan is in Turkey for the shoot of Laal Singh Chaddha. This could very well be a signal that in order to restart work, more such shooting schedules might move out of the country given the current situation in India.
Admitting that the decision of shifting Laal Singh Chaddha’s shooting location was a result of the situation, producer, Ajit Andhare, Chief Operating Officer Viacom18 Studios, says, “Our production plans were very different and we had to recast them and that’s why we have a fresh production schedule and release date.”
While many productions have resumed in the country at present, Andhare feels that it is still very challenging in terms of what happens when people contract the virus. He adds, “What these overseas places provide is a far better control and better planning of what you are able to do on a shoot.”
Shooting in the country would require permissions from various states and that could be a hassle. There are many countries that would be extending invites for shoots to many Bollywood films and many more films will head out, feels trade analyst Atul Mohan.
“The shoot of Salman Khan’s Radhe is pending and they might make some alterations in the script and also find a suitable country and location to shoot. If situation is not favourable in the country, why waste time here,” Mohan says, adding that at least this way, filmmakers can keep their projects ready for when theatres reopen.
Shifting of shooting locations would also depend on the story of the film. “If some countries have opened up totally, then of course, shoots can move to those places. But it would all depend on the story. There are some films
h have to be shot in the country if they are heartland-based stories,” says Shibasish Sarkar, CEO, Reliance Entertainment.
There are other countries, too, where a lot of Bollywood productions can move shoot to, including Australia and New Zealand, along with Europe. “Shooting overseas becomes economical as there are a lot of subsidies given. I’m sure many European countries will be welcoming film crews. Even films that have a budget of ₹10 to 20 crores, will end up saving 15- 20% by shooting abroad” says trade expert Joginder Tuteja.
Bellbottom co-producer Monisha Advani says that all of Emmay Entertainment’s shoots are happening exactly where they were intended to pre-lockdown. “Bell Bottom, was always intended to be shot in the UK and has proceeded as planned. Likewise, we hope to resume our other projects in Mumbai, Rajasthan and Lucknow soon. Prep is on full swing as we mobilise crew members for each of these units,” she says.