SUMMER OF FALL

Kollywood was primed for big business this year, but the pandemic has pushed it into a crisis

- LAKSHMI SUBRAMANIAN

Just as India was getting ready for Unlock 1, the Tamil Nadu government had some good news for its television industry. On May 30, it relaxed the norms for shooting of TV serials (the green signal was given in an order dated May 21). Most significantly, the new guidelines allowed up to 60 people on set, compared with 20 as per the initial order. However, Kollywood, for now, has to settle for the resumption of post-production.

Post-production work, such as dubbing and editing, of around 20 films have resumed with strict security protocols. But, in the case of TV serials, not much has happened despite the go-ahead. Actor Khushbu, general secretary of the state’s small screen producers association, said that as serial shoots mostly happen within a small space or inside a building, social distancing is difficult.

But, despite the practical difficulties, there is now hope in the television industry. The film industry on the other hand is facing a crisis. Kollywood had a turnover of ₹2,000 crore in 2019 and stakeholders were hoping for a major growth at the start of the new decade. But the lockdown resulted in an all-time low; the loss is estimated to be around ₹800 crore. “Kollywood business is usually higher during summer vacation,” said G. Dhananjayan, film producer and trade expert.