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Covid-19 impact explained: How India’s film industry got hit and is preparing for a new normal

May 9, 2020

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Covid-19 impact: While the impact of the lockdown on the Indian film industry at large is still being evaluated, we take a look at how slim production and related fields have suffered in India over the past month.
Big releases postponed, film, TV and web series shootings halted, theatres unable to screen movies, daily wage employees struggling for their next meal… the Rs 183 billion Indian film industry is going through its worst phase because of the lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic. While the impact of the lockdown on the industry at large is still being evaluated, we take a look at how slim production and related fields have suffered in India over the past month.

Covid-19’s first impact came when Reliance Entertainment on March 12 indefinitely postponed Rohit Shetty’s film Sooryavanshi. The film starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif was scheduled to release on March 24. This was quickly followed by Sir, Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, Haathi Mere Sathi and 83 getting postponed too. Baaghi 3 saw fewer takers in its second week, and Irrfan Khan’s Angrezi Medium had to be pulled out of theatres. It eventually released on OTT platform Disney+Hotstar. Similarly a lot of big ticket releases in regional languages have also been delayed.

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Covid-19 impact explained: How India’s film industry got hit and is preparing for a new normal
Covid-19 impact: While the impact of the lockdown on the Indian film industry at large is still being evaluated, we take a look at how slim production and related fields have suffered in India over the past month.
Written By Mimansa Shekhar , Edited By Explained Desk | New Delhi |
Updated: April 29, 2020 11:26:29 am
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The Indian film industry is going through its worst phase because of the lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic. (Express Photo By Pavan Khengre)
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Big releases postponed, film, TV and web series shootings halted, theatres unable to screen movies, daily wage employees struggling for their next meal… the Rs 183 billion Indian film industry is going through its worst phase because of the lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic. While the impact of the lockdown on the industry at large is still being evaluated, we take a look at how slim production and related fields have suffered in India over the past month.

Covid-19’s ripple effect was felt when film bodies including Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) and Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) decided to halt shooting of movies, TV shows and web series. Major production houses like Balaji Motion Pictures, Dharma Productions and Yash Raj Films also promptly called off all production activity. Amid this, various state governments ordered the closing down of cinema halls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on March 24 of a 21-day national lockdown sealed the fate for several projects.

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s much-awaited Brahmastra too halted production. The film which, after several delays, was finally scheduled to release December 4, 2020, now seems to be looking at an uncertain future. Shahid Kapoor’s Jersey, a remake of the Telugu hit of the same name, also suspended shooting to ensure the safety of its crew.

Among the movies hit is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi. “I don’t understand how they will manage Gangubai’s production now. Its set has been created in Film City and it will start raining in June,” said veteran actor Seema Pahwa who plays a role in the film. “I am sitting at home when I was supposed to shoot for another film and a web series. The stuff that we have committed to till December will also get pushed. The entire schedule goes for a toss, and we cannot sign new work.”

Losses due to the postponement of releases

After an exciting January-February that offered a mix bag with Tanhaji, Chhapaak, Street Dancer 3D, Panga, Malang, Bhoot and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, March-April was supposed to be set aside for Sooryavanshi and Ranveer Singh’s sports drama 83 with the extended Easter weekend expected to help Box Office collection. Now it seems like Salman Khan’s Eid release Radhe and Akshay Kumar’s Diwali release Prithviraj could also take a hit. Karan Johar’s much-awaited period drama Takht was all set to go on the floors in the coming months. Now things don’t look bright for even the magnum opus
Experts estimate the entertainment industry has already lost more than a thousand crores because of the lockdown. “This is the first time in our history that the entire India box office is zero.

Losses due to the postponement of releases
Ranveer Singh 83
Ranveer Singh’s sports drama 83 was delayed due to coronavirus outbreak.
After an exciting January-February that offered a mix bag with Tanhaji, Chhapaak, Street Dancer 3D, Panga, Malang, Bhoot and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, March-April was supposed to be set aside for Sooryavanshi and Ranveer Singh’s sports drama 83 with the extended Easter weekend expected to help Box Office collection. Now it seems like Salman Khan’s Eid release Radhe and Akshay Kumar’s Diwali release Prithviraj could also take a hit. Karan Johar’s much-awaited period drama Takht was all set to go on the floors in the coming months. Now things don’t look bright for even the magnum opus..