LPG Crisis Disrupts Kerala Film Industry
The ongoing LPG crisis is causing significant disruptions in Kerala's vibrant film industry, where over 18 productions are currently in progress. The president of the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), B Rakesh, has warned that the industry faces a potential loss of ₹5 crore if the shortage of gas cylinders continues. With only two days' worth of stock left, filmmakers are on edge.
On film sets in Kerala, a typical meal features a variety of dishes, from rice and chapati to chicken, fish, and curries. Breakfast may include popular items such as idli and dosa, while lunch is served with a standard menu set by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA). For dinner, rice gruel, lentils, and vegetable curries are common. With the need for efficient meal preparation, a single film location can require up to five gas cylinders each day to cater to the crew's needs.
Filmmakers have reported that cooking begins as early as 3 AM to ensure breakfast is ready by 7:30 AM. The tight schedules and large crews make the availability of cooking gas crucial. Tollywood director Dulal Dey, preparing to shoot his film "Faand," has stated that the LPG shortage has forced him to reevaluate his production budget, which is now expected to increase due to the crisis. The first day of shooting will involve over 300 cast and crew members on set.
Similarly, the filmmaker duo Suchandra X Vaaniya and Chaandrodoy Pal expressed their concerns as they faced this crisis just days before the shoot for their film "Poroborti Station Begunkodar." They emphasized the urgency of the situation and the challenges posed by the LPG shortage, which could lead to production delays and increased costs.
If the LPG situation does not improve soon, it may not only impact the current films in production but also set a precedent for future projects in the Indian film industry. The reliance on gas for cooking on set highlights a crucial aspect of production that many may take for granted. As the crisis unfolds, the industry is left to grapple with the ramifications of this ongoing shortage.
