Due to the resurgent wave of COVID-19, the shoots are all being halted in Maharashtra and the silver screen industry has got the worst hit. The TV industry’s episode banks are all drying up, back to back. Despite the fact that many shows have switched to alternative locations like Goa, support to such a plan of action is quite not practical for the producers in long term, given that television platforms require a continuous flow of content.
With the current situation, rumours have it that some producers are considering ending their respective shows, especially if they are ongoing with low ratings.
Some of the TV shows that recently have moved out of Maharashtra are Hamari Wali Good News, Kundali Bhagya, Kumkum Bhagya and Qurbaan Hua. As the sources claim, the show, Shaadi Mubarak which features Rati Pandey and Manav Gohil, is on a break after airing its new episodes up till April 20. The break was called upon after Manav tested positive. Apparently, the producers decide that the cast of the show shouldn’t travel anywhere because there were kids in the cast and it’s even riskier with them.
Some shows such as Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! have shot many new episodes before the lockdown and are counting upon their episode banks with fresh episodes. However, the show producers have no idea as to how to keep the show airing once they fall out of fresh content.
The creator of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Asit Kumarr Modi says that they have no plans to re-run the episodes of the show once they run out of fresh episodes. They might consider shooting outside the state but also taking into consideration everyone’s health and safety first. The show has an episode bank that should keep the audience entertained until May 3.
JD Majethia, chairman of, Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), reveals that some shows might consider closing down but as of now, the channels haven’t provided any confirmation. He adds by saying that this is the worst fear for the television industry and it can take away views of a show. If the shoots start from May, post the lockdown, no show is likely to go off the air. Also because it’s the IPL (season), broadcasters will not be in favour to take any show off air presently. since no replacement can be made soon with other shows. However, if the lockdown continues, shows that do not carry good ratings will go off air and channels may reintroduce their previously successful shows in the form of repeats.
Actress Shubhangi Atre, who plays Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain and who is currently battling Covid, says her show has an episode bank but the shoot needs to begin soon and everyone is waiting for the update. In the meantime, her body is in the recovery period.
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