Karan Johar's Dharma Productions has announced the suspension of all administrative and production work forthwith till further notice. The statement from the studio assured that this decision was taken as a safety precaution against the coronavirus pandemic.
The statement was shared on the production house's social media page late on Monday. It read, "In view of the epidemic spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout the world, including India, we at Dharma Productions, have suspended all administrative and production work until further notice. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety of all and we are complying with all the precautionary measures suggested by the government to minimize risk of exposure to our cast, crew, workers, and audience."
In light of the ongoing global health crisis, we wish for everyone to stay calm and stay safe.
— Dharma Productions (@DharmaMovies) March 16, 2020
- The Dharma Family pic.twitter.com/6QFpBHW5RR
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in heavy losses to the Indian, and global, entertainment industries. A number of prominent films have been delayed, production work on ongoing shoots stalled, and cinema halls shut down across the country to prevent the spread of the virus.
The government of India, as well as several state governments, have issued advisories requesting workplaces to allow their employees to work from home where possible.
Dharma Productions has already suspended the shooting of their upcoming fantasy epic, Brahmastra (2020), featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. The film, a trilogy directed by Ayan Mukherji, is set to be delayed further due to the shooting cancellation.
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed close to 6000 lives across the world so far since its first outbreak a month ago.