BMC Takes Strict Action Against Production House for Safety Breach
In a significant move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has officially sanctioned the blacklisting of B62 Studios, a prominent production house headed by acclaimed director Aditya Dhar. This decisive action stems from severe violations observed during the filming of the highly anticipated movie Dhurandhar 2 in Mumbai. The corporation has barred the studio from seeking any future shooting permissions within the city limits, citing a blatant disregard for safety protocols.
Late-Night Complaint Triggers Immediate Inspection
The incident unfolded in the early hours when a vigilant local resident lodged a telephonic complaint at approximately 12:30 am, reporting the unauthorized use of fire torches at the shooting location. Responding with urgency, the Assistant Engineer (Maintenance) arrived at the site around 1:50 am and coordinated with the night-duty Police Inspector from the MRA Marg Police Station. During the on-site inspection, authorities discovered five fire torches actively in use, posing a potential hazard.
The police promptly confiscated the torches and later transferred them to ward staff for further investigation. On the spot, the production team received a verbal warning and was explicitly instructed to cease all use of fire torches until the completion of the shoot. This immediate intervention highlighted the BMC's commitment to enforcing safety standards in the bustling film industry of Mumbai.
Proposal for Stringent Penalties and Blacklisting
Following the incident, the maintenance department submitted a comprehensive proposal on Saturday, advocating for strict disciplinary measures against the violators. The proposal outlined several key actions:
- Forfeiture of the Rs 25,000 security deposit held with the online permission platform.
- Blacklisting of the applicants, Komal Pokhariyal and Nasir Khan, who had signed an undertaking explicitly prohibiting the use of fire-related elements.
- Extension of the blacklisting to the associated production house, B62 Studios.
- Imposition of a substantial monetary penalty of Rs 1 lakh for breaching the agreed-upon conditions.
The Assistant Commissioner of A Ward reviewed and approved this report, forwarding it to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone I) for final endorsement. Sources within the BMC have confirmed that the DMC has granted approval, paving the way for the issuance of a formal notice in the near future.
Official Communication and Consequences
Once the official communication is dispatched, the following consequences will be enforced:
- The security deposit of Rs 25,000 will be forfeited, reflecting the financial repercussions of the violation.
- Both the individual applicants and B62 Studios will be blacklisted, preventing them from applying for any filming permissions through the online facility managed by the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited.
- A penalty of Rs 1 lakh will be levied, underscoring the seriousness of the breach and serving as a deterrent for future incidents.
This case underscores the BMC's zero-tolerance policy towards safety violations in the entertainment sector, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks to ensure public safety and operational integrity during film productions in Mumbai.
