Movie making in corona times, PPE kits for 300 unit members?

Instead of lying low and deferring their work, new-age producer abhishek Agarwal and director Teja have daringly resolved to begin shooting of their big ticket film with a popular star from June 1 without compromising on safety of actors and crew members.

"300-odd crew members will be wearing high-end safety kits prescribed by WHO to ensure complete safety on the sets," says a source, close to the unit. Probably, realizing that living with 'corona virus' will become more of a necessity than choice in the days to come, the duo resolved to take the first shot at shooting while other filmmakers are holding their horses. "It is a perfect beginning and a lot of thought has gone into it. They are planning to ensure meter distance between two persons and use disinfectant surface spray every three hours to avoid any risks," he adds.

According to the source, financier-turned-producer Abhishek Agarwal, has procured 2,000 PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and would be using 300 of them for his upcoming movie with Teja. "Even personal make-up artists of hero and heroine who have to get close to the stars will be wearing this protection gear. Similarly, director, who has to explain dialogues and scenes to the actors has to don the safety kit," adds the source.

With film shootings coming to a standstill and cine workers going out of work for nearly two months, the initiative of Abhishek Agarwal and Teja will encourage other filmmakers to resume shootings. "Thousands of cine workers of 24 crafts suffered the most due to corona outbreak. Besides loss of jobs, workers were clueless about their next meal. I am glad to revive shooting activity from June 1, of course with all safety measures in place," says Teja confidently.