Just because we seem to be getting out from under the dark cloud of COVID that’s hung over production for the past year, that doesn’t mean the viral pandemic is completely gone. The Indian production of Amazon Studios‘ Hindu film, Ram Setu, learned this the hard way as 45 crew members tested positive for the coronavirus with the film’s star Akshay Kumar being hospitalized.
Kumar confirmed this news on his Twitter account, thanking his fans for the prayers and wishes:
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 5, 2021
Kumar’s hospitalization is just a precaution after the 45 crew members were quarantined with shooting temporarily put on hiatus.
B. N. Tiwari, president of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, told the Indian Express that the positive cases came from the art department and Kumar’s team. “It’s quite unfortunate that so many people tested positive at one go. While most were junior artists, a few from Akshay Kumar’s team also tested positive for COVID-19. They have all been quarantined and provided medical attention. With Akshay also in quarantine, the shoot has been suspended as of now.”
Ram Setu, directed by Abhishek Sharma, is Amazon’s first foray into producing a local feature in India, the film having recently moved to Mumbai. It’s an action-adventure revolving around the mythical bridge that the god Rama is supposed to have built between ancient India and Sri Lanka in order to rescue his wife Sita from the demon god Ravana. It co-stars Jacqueline Fernandes and Nushrratt Bharuccha.
India is experiencing a surge of Covid cases with 103,558 new cases recorded in 24 hours. Although restrictions have been implemented on the public of Mumbai’s state of Maharashtra, film production has been allowed to continue.
Deadline contributed to the reporting of this news.
