Hyderabad: Coming as a respite to the film and television industries, the Telangana government on Monday permitted resumption of shooting for films and television programmes. As Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao signed the file, green signalling the industry to resume shoots and post-production, Ramoji Film City is gradually coming back to life after braving an unprecedented crisis.
Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu, a famous serial aired on ETV, has gone on floors in RFC with a limited cast. The crew is strictly adhering to safety measures and social distancing norms. ETV Bharat takes a look at life post lockdown in RFC.
Having waited out the two and a half months lockdown, the film industry has begun shooting with new vigor. After the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments gave a nod, the TV industry too began shooting daily serials. On the sets, COVID-19 guidelines are being followed to the T.
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Here's how the team of Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu is carrying out production in post COVID-19 era:
- Indoor and outdoor shooting locations have been disinfected.
- Thermal screenings are conducted for cast and crew.
- In addition to checking body temperature, sanitizers and masks are being distributed to all the members.
- A disinfection tunnel has been arranged on the sets.
- Cameras and other filming equipment are being disinfected from time to time.
- Makeup artists are wearing PPE gear while several actors preferred doing their own makeup.
- Social distancing is being followed during breaks.
- Most of the cast and crew brought home-made food.
- Along with the cast, the crew also wore face masks and hand gloves.
- The episode was shot with only 20 to 30 members.
Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu team took a sigh of relief having seen RFC’s strict adherence to safety guidelines. These measures instilled confidence in them to resume shooting amid the raging pandemic.
"In these circumstances, actors must do their own makeup. We cannot wear a mask while shooting. Initially, we were afraid of the consequences. But the facilities on the set are amazing. The entire makeup room has been disinfected. Makeup artists are wearing PPE gears. Above all, we go through thermal screening before entering the set. If anyone is suspected ill, they will be sent home. Everyone is following safety measures. All these measures have given me a lot of courage. This is my first shoot post lockdown. I feel so happy," quipped actor Yamuna.
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Actor Lakshmi Ranjan told ETV Bharat, "I was terrified of the prospect of shooting. We were afraid of the pandemic. But the production house has sent me a disinfected car allowed for only two people. I was glad to see several safety measures being followed on the set. Unlike before, we follow physical distancing even while filming some crucial scenes thus we may not be able to emote so perfectly. But, we will try our level best."
Kondeti Kiran, the director of Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu shared his views about shooting amid COVID-19 scare.
"I have been directing this serial for the past one year. To date, 1,426 episodes have been aired. Due to the lockdown, we had to pause shooting for nearly three months. People need entertainment and we need livelihood. So, after a long gap, we have resumed filming the serial. We are taking extreme care on the sets," said Kondeti.
On a related note, recently some prominent personalities from Telugu film industry had called on the Chief Minister to request him to permit shootings of films, TV programmes, post-production works and re-opening of cinema theatres. Responding positively to the request, he had asked the officials to work out modalities.
However, KCR refused to allow re-opening of cinema theatres, saying the Central government's guidelines have to be followed to check the spread of COVID-19.
