Actor-cum-politician Kamal Haasan, through his party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), had recently introduced an initiative ‘Naame Theervu’ to reach out to people in this hour of uncertainty by bringing volunteers together to help Chennai’s path towards recovery. During its launch, the actor had made a statement which could seem extremely relevant to the Telugu film industry as well.
“Unlike hospitals, cinema is not an essential commodity. Just like how there is no need to immediately open TASMAC shops, film shoots can wait,” were among the many statements he had made during his speech where he went live on social media. In a situation where the film industry is striving hard to return to action and are in constant touch with bureaucrats for shoot permissions, Kamal Haasan’s words come as a surprise. However, it’s the bitter truth in a situation where the country is witnessing an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases daily.
While it’s certainly true that workers in the film industry are the worst hit by the crisis, one must be reminded that the privileged lot i.e. the stars have enough financial resources to handle the situation sans much worry. Though celebrities have undertaken initiatives to help the former lot, the real test lies ahead. Abiding by the precautionary measures for shoots as cited by the Producers’ Association of India is something that only big-budgeted films and producers with deep pockets can afford. Small films are taking it easy given the situation isn’t exactly practical to shoot in safe conditions with the budget constraints. Will this pave way for more producers to consider OTT for release? Only time shall say.
