The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association made the announcement today, March 15, after a meeting between the IMPPA, FWICE, IFTDA, IFTPC and WIFPA

The onslaught of the coronavirus outbreak is now being felt in its entirety by the entertainment industry. After theatres in several key markets across the country have been shut down by the government to avoid mass gatherings, where the virus has the highest risk of spreading, the latest blow coming in from the world of entertainment news, is the suspension of all film, TV and web series shoots effective from Thursday, March 19. The mandate will be followed by all film industries in the country, including Bollywood (Hindi), Kollywood (Tamil), Tollywood (Telugu), Mollywood (Malayalam) and others.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association made the announcement today, March 15, after a meeting between the IMPPA, FWICE, IFTDA, IFTPC and WIFPA. Accorindg to the official statement, the halt on all productions within the industry will remain till 31st March, and the decision to resume shooting schedules will be taken in another meeting between the relevant committees on 30th March.

Speaking at the meeting, IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit said, “Coronavirus pandemic has spread across the world and we have taken the decision to shut all shoots after a long meeting with all associations. All the associations and industries across India – North, South or any other regional – are with us in this decision. We have given a three-day period for all producers so that they can ask their units working anywhere in India or outside the country to come back. It will also give some time for broadcasters to think about their programming during the shoot shut down. The film industry is extremely serious about combating COVID-19. During the shutdown, cleaning and sanitation will be implemented at the sets”.

While this will no dount incur heavy losses for several producers, it’s a necessary step as safety has to remain paramount during an outbreak. Stay tuned to BollywoodLife for all the latest news and updates.