The film industry has decided to aid the government in their diktat to shut down gyms, cinema halls, schools and swimming pools, to stem the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA), Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) have all taken a decision to shut down all film and TV shootings till the end of the month.

“We met on Sunday at the IMPPA office and decided unanimously to shut down shooting. As for the losses, we all felt jaan hai toh jahan hai,” Ashoke Pandit, president, IFTDA said, according to the Hindustan Times.

“The film industry will suffer a loss of ₹80-90 crore every week. I think daily soaps will be worst hit,” observed trade analyst Atul Mohan, according to the newspaper.

In the midst of all this, Federation of Western India Cine Employees announced in a press release that they will be organising the distribution and basic materials to the members of all its affiliates.

Film critic and analyst Taran Adarsh declared that the distribution will go on for a week starting from 22nd March 2020.

“We also appeal to all the producers, technicians and other film and television personalities to come forward and lend a hand in our fight against corona,” the document states, according to ANI. The distribution will happen in Filmistan Studios in Goregaon West.