Post by : Meena Ariff

The conversation around limiting working hours in Hindi cinema has intensified, following reports that Deepika Padukone exited projects including Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. The topic has divided opinion, with some pushing for formal limits and others arguing such rules may be impractical for all productions.

Filmmaker Aditya Sarpotdar, who directed the recently released horror-comedy Thamma, has added his perspective to the debate. He highlighted how long, unpredictable shooting timetables remain widespread and said routine workdays stretching past 12 hours take a heavy toll.

“Often there is an implicit expectation that people will be available around the clock, which affects both physical and mental wellbeing. A 12-hour shift is reasonable and workable,” Sarpotdar commented, warning that routinely extending hours places undue pressure on cast and crew.

He noted that Thamma lead Rashmika Mandanna frequently completes 12-hour days without complaint, but cautioned that endurance varies and should not be assumed for everyone. “Only when actor and director agree on terms should they proceed together,” he added.

On Deepika Padukone’s push for fixed working hours, Sarpotdar called for careful interpretation rather than a one-size-fits-all mandate. “It’s not productive to issue a blanket direction; every artist and project has distinct needs,” he said.

Sarpotdar also described adjustments made on Thamma to protect veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s health, saying the team deliberately accommodated his needs during production. “Caring for performers is a core responsibility,” he remarked.

Rashmika Mandanna, who has previously spoken about the strains of extended shoots, reiterated her preference for defined working windows similar to a 9-to-5 rhythm. She argued that predictable hours, rest and personal time are essential to avoid burnout.

Thamma, which features Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal alongside Rashmika, has collected ₹121.80 crore at the domestic box office since its Diwali release.

Rashmika’s next outing is the Telugu romantic drama The Girlfriend, directed by Rahul Ravindran, which is slated to open this Friday.

#Global