Impact of terrorist attacks on film shoots in popular destinations.
Attack in Manchester Arena
Following the terror attack at the end of a concert in Manchester Arena, we reach out to Bollywood and other Indian filmmakers to find out if it will have an impact on the number of Indian films that are shot in the U.K.
United Kingdom, especially London, has always been the preferred destination for Indian filmmakers as well as for Indian tourists.
David Dhawan’s Judwaa 2 is currently being shot in London, Alia Bhatt was recently holidaying in London with her mother. Its also home to some of our film stars (like Katrina Kaif). Some also have made investments (bought houses) in and around London.
Also read: Why filmmakers love filming in London & UK.
Here’s what Indian filmmakers have to say (whether the United Kingdom is still a safe shooting location) after the bomb attack in Manchester.
Anees Bazmee, Director
Unfortunately, we are not safe anywhere in the world, which is a sad situation. Incidents like the one at Manchester can happen anywhere, and it doesn’t make London any less safe than it was. In fact, London is safer than a lot of cities in the world.
Today, if you think top hotels are safer than open spaces, haven’t we seen the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks? I don’t know what kind of a world we are leaving behind for our children.
Earlier, if someone forgot a bag, we’d look for its owners name on it. Today, we don’t step near it, lest it contains a bomb. I’m reminded of Gandhiji’s words, ‘An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind’.
Vijay, Director
England is one of the safest countries, but it’s also among the power centres of the world, which makes it a target. I think the government and intelligence agencies have to beef up security measures.
I had filmed one of my Tamil films in London and it breaks my heart to see the city targeted by terrorists. First, the attack near Westminster and now, at the Manchester arena.
I will not think twice before shooting my film there again, because it’s such a beautiful city. Except for racism, which unfortunately is very prevalent there, the people are very warm.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Filmmaker
My film ‘Namastey London’ was shot there. Sadly, terrorism has become a part of our society world over. We can either choose to live in fear or not get deterred by it.
If my film demands shooting on a foreign land, such terror attacks won’t stop me from filming as per my original plan.
Amole Gupte, Director
I’m heading to London shortly for a location recee for badminton player Saina Nehwal’s biopic. I had to check out Wembley, apart from some other crucial locations as they are important to the narrative.
We can do a cheat shoot in any other part of the world, but by doing so, we are only showing how scared we are and that authenticity in a story doesn’t hold relevance.
I want to shoot at real locations. It’s a shame what happened at the Manchester Arena. It’s scary, but can we stop living?
London has been in a vulnerable condition for a while now. We don’t know if and when these attacks would stop.
The sad part is we don’t know which city could be on their target list next. Do we lock ourselves in a room then?
Ronnie Lahiri, Producer of Udham Singh’s biopic
London is a pivotal point in this biopic which Shoojit Sircar and I are working on. How can we not shoot in London?
Terrorism is a global problem and we have to learn to fight it and go on with life. We can’t just bring everything to a halt because of that.
Yes, it’s easier said than done. But we have to get on with life. Our choices can’t be driven by terror attacks. I’m sure those who were at Manchester Arena didn’t go there thinking they would end up becoming part of a nightmare.
There is no guarantee that London or any other city won’t be attacked. Everyone is at an equal disadvantage and risk. It’s unsafe to shoot in London at this moment, but that can be an argument for any and every city in the world. There’s no alternative except fighting the situation and surging ahead.
Suneel Darshan, Director
Urban terrorism is a social evil which people all over the world will have to accept and live with.
The UK cannot be isolated for this incident and the filmmakers who desire to shoot in London and its surroundings are as vulnerable as they would be in their homes.
Sajid Samji, Writer-Director
Why should we encourage terrorists by a show of fear? If a story demands to be shot in London, so be it. It has to be shot there.
Yes, attacks like the one that happened at Manchester can only stop the authorities from giving us due permission to shoot at certain places, but not all of London. We shot ‘Housefull 3’ there couple of years back.
Even India has seen terror strikes. Nothing stops anyone in the world from coming to our country for whatever their purpose is. Why should London go off our wish list for locations then?
