As reports came in of the vandalism on the sets of MX Player‘s ‘Aashram 3’ by a religious organisation, the film fraternity conveyed its horror at the brazenness of the attack, and the future repercussions of such attacks. The Producers Guild Of India put out a strongly-worded statement, condemning the attack on a reputed filmmaker, and demanding the safety of its members and film crews.
The statement from the Producers Guild of India said, “The Producers Guild Of India strongly condemns brazen acts of violence, harassment and vandalism faced by the crew of Aashram 3 in Bhopal. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident and the Guild is alarmed to note the frequency with which both the production and exhibition sectors are severely and illegally disrupted by various elements with impunity.”
The statement further said, “Content production contributes significantly to local economies, generates employment and promotes tourism, which is why authorities in India and across the world formulate policies to attract producers to their respective regions.”
The Producers’ Guild exhorted the Government that more than incentives and benefits, film crews need the authorities to provide the guarantee of safety and security for their units.
Here’s the full statement from the Producers Guild Of India –
The Federation Of Western India Cine Employees too issued a statement, condemning the attack and demanding “stringent action” against those involved in the vandalism. The statement said,
“The safety and security of our members is at high risk and increasing day by day due to such incidents and ignorance of the same by the respective authorities. We look for justice. The FWICE is and will always stand strongly with the Producer/Director and their crew members and extends all its required support to eradicate such happenings from the otherwise peaceful Industry” the statement read.
Here’s the full statement from the FWICE –
Eminent director Hansal Mehta too decried the vandalism on his Twitter account. “Scared silence and continued deference will only empower such hooligans and further such oppression. But who will bell the cat?”, he wrote.
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra exhorted film associations to take a stand against such brazen acts of violence on film crews. “This is terrible. The industry has to get together otherwise … (do I have to state it ). Come on, “Associations” Stand with your members!”
For those not in the know, a bunch of Bajrang Dal activists stormed in on the sets of ‘Aashram 3’ yesterday, which was filming in the old jail premises in Bhopal. The hoodlums vandalised the sets, beat up crew members, and smeared ink on director Prakash Jha’s face. Their grouse is against MX Player’s hit series Aashram and its purported maligning of Hinduism. The series has actor Bobby Deol playing a conman turned godman Nirala Baba, who exploits his gullible followers for sexual pleasure and gains.
The Bhopal police is investigating the matter. Four people have been arrested in connection with the ‘Aashram 3’ vandalism.