Rashmika Mandanna has weighed in on the ongoing industry debate about actor work hours, sparked by Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from a film, revealing some extreme working conditions.
The Big Debate Over Work Hours
The conversation around fixed working hours in the film industry gained momentum after reports suggested Deepika Padukone opted out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film ‘Spirit’. The alleged reason was a disagreement over set work timings.
This incident brought the often-intense schedules of actors and crew members into the spotlight, prompting many to share their experiences and opinions.
Rashmika Mandanna Shares Her Experience
Adding her voice to the discussion, actress Rashmika Mandanna, who previously collaborated with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga in ‘Animal’, offered her perspective on typical work schedules.
Speaking to Mojo Story, Rashmika detailed the differences she’s observed across various film industries in India.
Comparing Industries: South vs. Hindi Cinema
Rashmika noted that in South Indian industries like Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil, working hours often mimic a standard office day, typically from 9 am to 6 pm. This allows actors to have personal time after the shoot.
However, she observed that the Hindi film industry often follows a 9 am to 9 pm shift, equating to 12 working hours. As an actor, she stated her willingness to adapt to both schedules based on film requirements.
When Shoots Stretch for Days
While acknowledging the current debate, Rashmika highlighted that some film productions demand far more than even 12-hour days. She revealed instances where shoots extend into consecutive days, sometimes for 36 to 48 hours straight.
During these extreme scenarios, actors might work without returning home or getting proper rest. She emphasized that such non-stop filming is “pretty normal” in parts of the industry, representing “much worse scenarios” than a discussion over fixed hours.
The Importance of Pre-Contract Discussions
Rashmika believes that while the debate is valid, the ideal approach is for filmmakers and actors to discuss and agree upon working hours before a project begins. She stressed that these are personal choices that should be openly addressed during contract negotiations.
She concluded that every film project should have an upfront discussion about the expected working hours, ensuring mutual understanding and clarity from the outset.
- Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from a film due to work hour conflicts sparked a wider industry debate.
- Rashmika Mandanna notes South Indian film sets typically work 9 am-6 pm, while Hindi sets often work 9 am-9 pm.
- She revealed extreme cases where actors work 36-48 hours straight without going home.
- Rashmika believes discussions about working hours should happen between the team and actor before signing a contract.
This ongoing conversation highlights the need for transparency and mutual understanding regarding demanding film production schedules.
