In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Central and State Governments in India decided to impose a complete lockdown in the country to curb the impact and spread of the novel COVID-19. Owing to the shutdown, several industries including showbiz have faced a major setback. With releases postponed and pre-scheduled shoots stalled, producers and filmmakers are bearing the brunt of the losses of the investments made. Amongst several films, Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi is in dire straits due to the lockdown. With two grand sets built in Chennai and Hyderabad for an extensive shoot schedule, they stand unused due to the lockdown for the past six weeks. Shaailesh R Singh, the producer of the late Tamil Nadu CM's biopic, during an interview with a leading daily, told that the team has to wrap the outdoor schedule before the monsoon arrives. If not, then reconstruction of the sets will prove to be an expensive option. 

"We need to wrap up the film before the rains hit. Since they are outdoor set-up, they will be ruined in the monsoon. Reconstructing the set will be an expensive affair," Shaailesh told.

 

 

 

 

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The legend we know, but the story that is yet to be told! Presenting #KanganaRanaut, in & as #Thalaivi. A film by #Vijay, arriving in cinemas on 26th June, 2020. . . . . . @team_kangana_ranaut @vishnuinduri @shaaileshrsingh @brindaprasad @karmamediaent @tseries.official @vibrimedia

A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@team_kangana_ranaut) on Nov 23, 2019 at 2:19am PST

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The team behind the AL Vijay directorial had recreated the Parliament House at the Ramakrishna Cine Studios in Hyderabad for a 45-day shoot schedule starting from March 10. After wrapping it in the third week of April, they were to travel to Chennai. With nearly 40% of the film incomplete, the lockdown stalled the work. "We have recreated Mount Road at the AVM Studio in Chennai, and had planned a patchwork shoot there. Almost 40 percent of the movie is left to be filmed," producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri told the daily.

Confirming that due to the lockdown the team has incurred loss worth Rs.5 crore till now, Shaailesh said even if a ten-day period is given, they will complete the outdoor portions. "Our team's safety is our priority. We had paid the studio for March, but were unable to shoot for a single day in Hyderabad. It's uncertain when the lockdown will be lifted. Even if we get a 10-day window, we will finish shooting the outdoor portions," Shaailesh added.

Thalaivi, also starring Arvind Swami, was scheduled to release on June 26, however, it will certainly get pushed forward.

(Source: Mid-Day)