KOCHI: Film crews often hire security guards and professional bouncers to manage restless fans who gate-crash sets for a glimpse of their favourite star. But it seems that at least a section of production managers gives ‘cinematic realism’ a new meaning by roping in real-life goons to scare away people who are unmanageable.
An associate producer, on condition of anonymity said persons with criminal background will come in handy in film sets for controlling fanatic fans.
“People like you and me would not be able to control diehard fans in sets with the presence of superstars like Mohanlal or Mammootty. We have had several bitter experiences of abuse and manhandling at the hands of these fans. Bouncers keep the sets free of stress. Sugar-coated talk will not work in the sets,” he said.
Vinod Shornur, a production controller-turned-director, said it was not right to blame the industry for seeking help of people with criminal history.
“It may be that some persons who are roped in to control the crowd were once goons. It can’t be considered as a blemish. They may have their own excuses for that. Majority of them have put their past behind and were earning money through legal means,” he said. Special Branch ACP, Babu Kumar K G, said it’s a fact that the film industry often seeks help of persons with criminal background for controlling crowds.
“They are often recruited as bouncers. Though we usually keep a database of such persons, it’s difficult when they are brought in from other States. We are keeping an eye on film sets,” said Babu Kumar K G.
Kochi City Police Commissioner K G James said that no such incidents have come to their notice.
The service of police personnel were being provided in the sets on the basis of requests, he said.
Recently, a man wanted in an attempt-to-murder case was arrested from the sets of a Mammootty-starrer.
