Film and television shoots set to resume as Maharashtra goes into unlock mode

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray in a conversation with film and television representatives on Sunday stated that the government would slowly ease restrictions imposed on film and television shoots due to the coronavirus pandemic. During a conversation with actors Subodh Bhave, Bharat Jadhav, Prashant Damle and producers JD Majethia, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Sharad Ponkshe, Amit Behl, the chief minister stated that permissions would be granted if the case positivity rate remains low. 

The industry has been in lockdown since the second wave hit India back in January. The chief minister said, "After the second wave of COVID-19, film and TV shootings were stopped in the state, but now the number of cases is getting under control and the unlock process has also begun."

The unlock procedure in Maharashtra is set to begin on 7 June, with steps being taken to avoid the mistakes that were made during the second wave of the pandemic. According to the plan, film crews can shoot for projects while abiding by established COVID protocol such as maintaining a bio-bubble, which will be monitored by production houses. In addition, there will no outdoor shooting schedules will be allowed after 5 pm.

Thackeray added, "We should ensure that we do not get knocked down by the virus."

Mumbai, the home of the Hindi film industry, has seen a low number of COVID-19 cases and is among the list of districts that will be 'unlocked'.