It is an important part of the script. It says so much in all the scenes it features in by not saying a word. It has been part of some of the topmost grossing films in the last twenty years and it continues to be a favourite and is still considered for some of the biggest movies to be shot by the film industries based around the country.
Goa is a favourite locale for the Hindi film industry without a doubt. From the early days of Bobby and of Bombay to Goa in the 70’s to major hits like Dil Cahata Hain and the not so successful Go Goa Gone, Finding Fanny, Dum Maaro Dum, the state has played its role. The virus however has put paid to plans of filmmakers to come and shoot in the beautiful environs of the state. Last year several production houses from Mumbai and other states used Goa as a place to create content for the digital platform. Several technicians from Mumbai camped in Goa and thankfully several local actors were also featured in these productions. However, when the virus hit back with a vengeance the state had to shut down everything and basically enforce a lockdown.
Now with the situation slowly relaxing the state has eased up on the lockdown. Has this resulted in crews coming in and shooting resuming? Is Goan talent now occupied having snagged roles in various productions.
The answer is rather disappointing. Dilip Borkar, one of the more popular line producers in the state said nothing had commenced and he expected movement to commence only after August. He said “ All the technicians who shifted to Goa from Mumbai because the shooting was taking place here have returned. Equipment that was brought down from Mumbai has also been sent back because right now nothing is taking place. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best. I have been answering calls from production companies all over the country. But since everything is shut we are all sitting at home”.
Sanjay Shetye of Vinson Graphics expressed similar expectations, said “Nothing is moving; people have to start working and have to pay bills. I believe now with the lockdown easing up we should explore the possibility of allowing film crews to come in at least from July 15 onwards. However, it must be made very clear that all the sops have to be followed. The crew should be fully vaccinated to ensure everything is done as per the ground rules. People have to start living and doing what they do. This cannot go on for too long. Goa has suffered from all this. The economy has suffered”.
Tapan Acharya an actor and someone who has a stake in a digital streaming platform said since no permissions were being given everything was shut. He said it was a pity everyone was now living off their savings and if some were facing the rough end of the stick, it was heartbreaking.
Another member of the film industry who did not want to be named felt it was a pity that the industry was in lockdown but then that was due to the absence of discipline by Goans who went about as if the days of the virus had come to an end. He also said “There are quite a few Goan artists who are still reluctant to get on to the digital platform and are suffering. People have to learn to adapt to emerging technology.”
One can only hope the virus is brought under control and the situation on the ground improves. Lives have been affected in ways not imagined earlier.
