The Bollywood film industry is embroiled in a heated discussion about work culture and scheduling, sparked by reports surrounding actor Deepika Padukone. Earlier in 2025, media claims suggested that Padukone had included a clause mandating an eight-hour workday in her contract for an upcoming film. This demand, among others, was reportedly a factor leading to her exit from the project, setting off a wide-ranging debate on the practicality of such fixed hours in filmmaking.
The Great Bollywood Scheduling Debate
The incident has sharply divided opinion within the industry. Proponents argue that a regulated workday could speed up shooting processes, help in better budget control, and ultimately free up more time for crucial post-production work, leading to greater overall efficiency. The opposing view highlights the inherently unpredictable nature of film shoots, where enforcing hard stops can be counterproductive, especially when crews are racing against tight deadlines.
Film producer Shariq Patel emphasized the dynamic challenges. "Film shoots make for dynamic processes, and timings cannot be set in stone with fixed clock-ins and clock-outs," he said. He noted that while schedules might be manageable in controlled environments like studio sets, it becomes exceedingly difficult to regulate everything during outdoor shoots.
Time, Money, and Unpredictable Factors
There is a universal agreement that time equates to money on a film set. Producers caution that restricting daily shoot hours could lead to an increase in the total number of shoot days, thereby inflating the overall budget. Factors like lighting setups, makeup, and obtaining perfect shots often demand flexibility.
Film producer and distributor Yusuf Shaikh, who also runs the low-cost theatre chain Janta Cinema, pointed out additional complications. "Lighting and make-up often take their own time, and it is difficult to regulate these things," he stated. He also raised the issue of coordinating actor dates if shoots remain incomplete due to the fixed-hour mandate.
Producers list numerous variables that can derail the best-laid plans, including:
- Adverse weather conditions
- Illness of cast or crew
- Technical failures
- Delays in location permissions
However, they also acknowledge that better pre-planning for specific scenes, like those requiring night ambience, can mitigate some surprises.
The Case for a Smarter, Healthier Work Culture
Despite the challenges, a strong case is being made for systemic change. Advocates believe that with stronger pre-production and advanced scheduling tools, stress levels for everyone involved can be reduced. The long-term benefits, they argue, could positively impact both project budgets and crew well-being.
Veteran film producer Anand Pandit offered a balanced perspective on the financial implications. "Regulated hours will definitely change budgeting, and not necessarily for the worse," he said. He explained that while shorter daily shifts would increase the number of shoot days—raising costs for rentals and crew—better long-term planning could balance this out.
Pandit championed the holistic benefits of a shift. "A healthier crew means fewer errors, reshoots, and better output. If the whole industry moves towards smarter scheduling, the impact on recoveries can become neutral or even positive. It’s about shifting the culture from working longer to working smarter," he concluded. This debate, ignited by a star's contractual stance, is forcing Bollywood to re-examine its decades-old working patterns.
