BENGALURU: On Thursday, a major fire broke out at Innovative Film City in Bidadi, which is about 40 km away from the city, and gutted the sets of reality show Bigg Boss Kannada. While no casualties were reported, the set was completely destroyed, and goods worth a few lakhs were lost.
City Express spoke to actors, directors and producers, who tell us that the reasons for accidents onsets range from a lack of control over junior artistes and extras, certain scenes not going according to plan, and life being taken for granted in India, unlike industries in other countries, where "safety is an obsession."
Some things not in our control
While shooting for Chowka, actor/director Tharun Sudhir had an incident involving wild bees. “We were shooting in Bijapur, near an old mosque. There were around 100 junior actors present, along with the main cast and crew. We were aware of the beehives around, and asked the crew to take caution. The local people had assured us that they would cause no harm.
As we were setting up the shot, chaos broke out, and the bees started attacking us. While most of us did find cover, around 12 people were severely injured and two were admitted in the ICU. These were wild bees, so their sting can be quite toxic,” he says, adding, "While a first aid box is usually kept in the caravans or with the direction department, the injured had to be taken to the hospital. Luckily, there was a government hospital nearby and they were treated.”
It was later found out that the junior actors had thrown stones at the hives. “As a director, I have control over the technicians and actors. Junior actors and extras we have no control over, especially when it's a large number. At the end of the day, we look over everything as much as we possibly can, and try to be prepared for certain situations. But some things are not in our control.”
‘Filmmaking not one man’s job’
Tharun also recalls an incident with his brother, who is also a director – Nanda Kishore – while he was directing Brihaspathi. “They were shooting in a building that was under construction. So while they did have the safety permits to shoot in certain parts of the building, many parts of the structure had been cordoned off for us. A lady who was part of the crew wandered off. Later, at the end of the shoot, while taking a head count, we realised she was missing. When we searched the premises, we found her lying in an elevator shaft. Unfortunately, it was too late for us to do anything and she passed away.” Usually, Sudhir claims, certain precautions are taken.
“We make sure we keep fire extinguishers - this is something that must be available when needed. Other than that, we try to be as observant as we can while shooting. Especially when doing scenes that involve fire. We make sure the actor is wearing an inflammable costume and a specific gel to protect the skin. Yet, throughout the shoot, we had an ambulance on site just in case,” he says.“Making a movie is not a ‘one man’ job. A director can only monitor things to a certain extent. Every individual who is part of the crew must be responsible and take precautions. Accidents happen because of the smallest of things. So the minute somebody is even a little careless, accidents can happen," he adds.
‘Planning for safety must’
Pawan Wadeyar, director, screenwriter, lyricist, actor and producer, known best known for his work in Kannada cinema, recalls an incident while he was shooting his debut movie Govindaya Namaha, in 2011. “The scene was a simple one, where the main characters are watching a movie on TV. The TV was supposed to appear as if it had short circuited with sparks flying. But, instead of sparks, the whole TV suddenly burst. Thankfully, no one on set was injured.”
While directing a movie, Wadeyar says that makes sure certain safety measures are taken. “These days, safety has become a priority. Whenever we write the schedule and go to check the sets and locations, we make sure certain exit measures are available in case of a mishap, and that adequate number of fire extinguishers and first aid boxes are available. Also, while shooting stunt scenes or fire scenes, we make sure that ambulances are on stand-by," he says.
“As directors, we make a number of plans and back-up plans for scenes in case a certain aspect of the story doesn’t seem feasible or doesn’t go according to plan. So just like that, we must also take into account the safety of the cast and crew. Extensive plans should be made with regard to safety and security - it should be made a priority,” he adds.
‘Life taken for granted here’
Director KM Chaitanya claims that accidents on set have been occurring for long. “Many incidents have happened. Boys have jumped from helicopters and died. Lighting people, especially, keep getting injured. Small things like this can be prevented. I insist they use gloves, but most refuse. There are countries where human life is considered very precious, but in a country like ours, where people are barely making a living, life is taken for granted.”
Having worked on an Indo-British production, Chaitanya says that health and safety are given utmost importance. “My previous film, Aarke, was an Indo-British production. The production manager was answerable for the safety of his crew. Even if there was a small ditch at the location, they would put a yellow tape around it. Safety was an obsession."
He adds, "We need to standardise certain procedures and systems. Safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits and ambulances should always be present. Most units don’t even carry a fire extinguisher. We use materials that are cheap and portable. People still feel it is less 'manly' to take precautions. That mindset should change. Everyone wants to show how brave they are and put their lives into danger.”
'Skilled people and stunt experts needed on set' Producer Pushkar Mallikarjunaiah says," Recently,
we did a risky shot while filming Bheema Sena Nala Maharaja, which involved river rafting. It was a 10-minute action sequence, and we made sure that an ambulance, skilled labour and back-up boats were present before the shoot. We always have skilled technicians, ambulances and fire extinguishers as the three major measures we take up. Irrespective of whether it is under your control, special safety measures should be mandatory. Without compromising on your budget, you need to ensure that there are skilled people and stunt experts to guide every action sequence.”