As the pandemic struck due to Covid-19, the whole world stood still and normal working of things became difficult. Amidst the situation, the city of Mumbai wasn’t left behind. The city faced major lockdowns announced by the government, which included the Film city as well. The Film city is an integrated film studio complex situated near Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Goregaon East, Mumbai, India. This has been the prime shooting location for a lot of movies.
The film city was deserted on March 17 as the government announced to shut many industries and public places due to Covid-19. Initially it was closed from March 19 to March 31 where the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) decided to stop all entertainment shoots tentatively.
The Maharashtra Government has allowed the commencement of shooting from May 31, but there were a few issues because of which the Film city remained shut. On June 23, the production was set to resume but it again hit a block when CINTAA (Cine and TV Artists’ Association) and FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) issues a statement that the producers have not cleared the outstanding dues of actors, technicians and other staff members.
Finally after the IFTPC (Indian Film and Television Producers Council), FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and CINTAA (Cine and TV Artists’ Association) resolved the matter and IFTPC assured to follow the necessary guidelines and precautionary measures, shooting was allowed to resume.
The Film city has resumed shooting maintaining precautions. The Minister to Tourism and Environment in Maharashtra, Aaditya Thackeray on December 29 tweeted that Mumbai film city tour buses will be available so that people can visit, take a tour as well as meet their favourite actors in action.
Proper precautions will be taken before permitting anybody inside the Film city. Temperature checks will be done before allowing anybody inside the premises. The tourists will not be allowed in even if they have mild cold or cough.
Wearing masks is mandatory during the whole tour. Sanitization of hands in regular intervals and maintaining social distancing norms and following the other protocols will be mandatory.
The film industry accounts for one of the most famous tourist attractions in India. The city of Mumbai is slowly resuming a lot of activities including the Film industry. Proper health care facilities will be taken care of.