As Mumbai witnessed a surge in Covid-19 cases, the film and television industry was asked to shut down work in the city. This made several producers, film-makers look for different locations to shoot for their respective projects. While many were eyeing Goa as a suitable location, the Goa government has cancelled permission for any kind of shootings in the state.
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The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), which is the Goa government’s nodal agency authorised to give permission for commercial shootings in the coastal state, revoked all permissions granted for film and television filming in the state.
ESG’s Vice Chairman Subhash Faldesai told PTI, “We will not allow any shooting of films or television serials in public or private properties.” The decision came after film and TV serial makers from Mumbai and Chennai flew down to Goa to shoot for their projects in the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases in their own cities.
Faldesai added that the state government has imposed strict curbs, including the imposition of Section 144 of CrPC in the state. This section implies a ban on the assembly of five or more people at one place, and hence shootings cannot be permitted. He also revealed that anyone who is currently shooting for films and serials in Goa has also been asked to wrap up their schedules, and leave the state.
The shows that are being currently shot in Goa are Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein, Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha, Shaurya Aur Anokhi Ki Kahani, Kumkum Bhagya, Kundali Bhagya, Yeh Hai Chahatein, Apna Time Bhi Aayega, Tujhse Hai Raabta, Molkki, Bawara Dil and Qurbaan Hua.
Amir Jaffer, who is the producer of shows television shows like Tujh Se Hai Hai Raabta, Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha and Qurbaan Hua talked to Time Of India about the same and said, “We have stopped shooting and are wrapping up. We have a bank of episodes for another week, so till that time, we will hunt for a new location. We need to look for areas which are less crowded now.”
