Tollywood Mandates Film Insurance After Tragedy

Kolkata's film industry, Tollywood, is set to implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) following the unfortunate death of actor Rahul Banerjee during a serial shoot on March 29. Representatives from the Eastern India Motion Picture Association (EIMPA) and the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists' Forum met to finalize this framework.

The proposed SOP includes mandatory insurance for every film, with broad consensus reached on this and other safety measures. Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee emphasized the urgency of strengthening safety, noting that insurance is crucial for artists, technicians, sets, and equipment. Discussions are ongoing regarding a detailed code of conduct for shooting units.

Producers are exploring accident cover for both artists and non-artists, along with insurance for sets against events like heavy rain and fire. Actors undertaking specialized roles will need to specify awareness of associated risks. However, these new measures have sparked concerns about escalating production costs, a matter producers plan to address after the upcoming elections.

Producers also seek assurance regarding artists' adherence to schedules, including punctuality and participation in promotions, as delays impact production and finances. Accountability for high-risk sequences is another focus, requiring directors, producers, and actors to provide documentary evidence and assume responsibility for any untoward incidents.