Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray spoke to several artistes from the Marathi film industry last evening on a video conference call to discuss the resumption of shoots and post-production work on projects. The industry has come to a standstill since the lockdown was imposed on 22 March.
The meeting was attended by Subodh Bhave, Ravi Jadhav, Sameer Vidwans, Kedar Shinde, Prashant Damle, Hemant Dhome, Pushkar Shrotri, Atul Parchure, Aadesh Bandekar and Sukanya Mone.
On Wednesday, the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA) had written to the CM urging his government to allow post-production work on projects that have completed shooting.
Sharing the news, the chief minister’s official Twitter handle posted, “CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray interacted with artistes and producers from the entertainment industry, especially Marathi film, theatre and television series via video conference today.”
Speaking about the revival of post-production work and shoots, the CM’s handle added, “He said the state will consider any action plan proposed by them for reviving shooting and post-production activities, if it includes physical distancing norms and other precautions.”
The ongoing lockdown has created misery for daily wagers. The CMO mentioned this issue as well saying, “The state government will stand firmly with technicians, backstage artistes, workers, folk artistes and tamasha performers in this crisis. The chief minister also said that rent concessions for those who have erected sets in the Film City, will be considered.”
He said the State will consider any action plan proposed by them for reviving shooting and post-production activities if it includes physical distancing norms and other precautions.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) May 20, 2020
In a conversation with Mumbai Mirror daily, Vidwans shared his thoughts on the meeting, saying, “The reopening of theatres is likely to take time. We can work on movies that have been completed and can postpone it. OTT platforms are another option. But it has a large impact on plays and those working backstage.”