Director Honey Trehan has shared his perspective on the ongoing debate about work hours in the Indian film industry, stating that the matter is largely subjective and should not be blown out of proportion. The filmmaker, who is awaiting the release of his crime thriller 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders', emphasized that mutual understanding between a director, producer, and actor is key.
A Subjective Matter of Understanding
In a conversation with IANS, Trehan explained that the issue is not fundamentally about sticking to an 8, 10, or 12-hour shift. He believes the industry functions on a sense of community and consideration. "I think it's very subjective, and it's a community, and the understanding plays a very important role," said Trehan. He added that one should be considerate towards colleagues who might have genuine personal reasons or constraints.
The director stressed that such situations can be resolved amicably through discussion. "I feel this entire topic is very subjective and is a very small thing. We can sit together and work it out. So, I don't think it's a big deal, and I don't think it should be a big deal either," he concluded.
Praising Radhika Apte's Professionalism
Trehan cited his positive experience working with actress Radhika Apte, who is a mother to a one-year-old, as a prime example of this flexible and professional dynamic. He praised Apte for being exceptionally accommodating during the shoot of their film.
"Whenever I have called Radhika for an extra 6 hours or if I wanted her to shoot for one more day, she has given me that without any fuss. She has accommodated me in such a way," he shared. Trehan also noted that Apte had even postponed her flights at times to honor her professional commitments, highlighting a balance between personal life and work.
Chitrangda Singh on Industry Realities
Adding to the conversation, actress Chitrangda Singh, who plays a significant role in the film, agreed with the director's viewpoint. Speaking to IANS, she stated that the film industry cannot operate with rigid, corporate-style rules due to its inherently unpredictable nature.
"It's a very subjective situation and depends on individual relationships," Singh said. "I don't think you can lay down strict, hard-and-fast rules for this industry because it doesn't function that way." She explained that filmmakers often have to work around unforeseen circumstances like technical issues or weather changes, requiring flexibility from everyone involved.
Singh elaborated, "This industry isn't like a corporate setup where you swipe a card and enter or leave at a fixed time. That kind of flexibility is part of filmmaking... But what exists here is a very human element. People understand each other's limitations."
About 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders'
The discussion stems from the team's experience while working on the upcoming crime thriller 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders'. Directed by Honey Trehan and written by Smita Singh, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast.
The movie features Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Chitrangda Singh, Deepti Naval, Ila Arun, Revathy, Rajat Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Priyanka Setia, Shridhar Dubey, and Akhilendra Mishra. The trailer promises a gripping narrative, and the team's recent comments provide a glimpse into the collaborative spirit behind its making.
