Ahmed Khan defends 8-hour work shifts, says filmmakers should plan better

Director Ahmed Khan believes the controversy around eight-hour work shifts is being blown out of proportion. Speaking exclusively to India Today, he said actors today have several professional commitments outside film shoots and that filmmakers should plan their schedules accordingly rather than argue over working hours.

'We used to work 24 hours a day'

Reflecting on how filmmaking has changed over the years, Khan recalled the demanding schedules that were once the norm.

"See, I am from those times when we used to work 24 hours a day. I have worked three shifts - seven to two, two to ten, and nine at night till five in the morning. We used to shoot at RK Studio, then Famous Studio, then Filmistan, counting the travelling also. We used to sleep on the sets. Toothpaste used to be in the car. We used to take a shower in the changing room. We are from that era," he said.

Despite those experiences, he believes it would be unfair for veterans to criticise the current generation for seeking shorter shooting schedules.

He said, "so if we complain about eight hours today, who are we to complain?"

'Actors today have other commitments'

Khan acknowledged that today's stars balance film shoots with brand endorsements, appearances and other professional commitments, making eight-hour shifts understandable.

"But today's youngsters, the stars and actors, if they're not shooting, they're doing appearances, Zoom calls, brand endorsements, and in the evening, they have to go somewhere else. They have other commitments. So, they need eight hours for shooting, and then they want to be free for the rest of their work. It's fair, as long as they are working. They're not saying, 'After eight hours we're going to play tennis.' They want to work. It's their time," he said.

He added that rather than opposing the change, filmmakers should simply plan their schedules around it.

"So okay, if you're giving eight hours, we'll keep our schedule according to eight hours and shoot in eight hours. Everyone's life becomes easy," the filmmaker added.

'The problem is ego, not work hours'

The director said disputes over shooting schedules often arise because of ego rather than genuine logistical issues.

He said, "Now if I fight and say, 'No, not eight hours. You have to do 12 hours,' and they say, 'No, I have to do eight hours,' then what will happen? You don't do it, I won't do it. So what are you fighting for? Just four hours? What is the point?"

He concluded by saying that conflicts emerge only when people are unwilling to collaborate.

"It's a simple way of thinking. But when ego comes in, when people don't want to work with each other, then these excuses are found," the director added.

'Finished Welcome To The Jungle in just 75 shifts'

Backing his argument with an example from his own film-making process, Khan revealed that he completed the shoot of Welcome to the Jungle in just 75 shifts despite working with a massive ensemble cast, elaborate action sequences and songs.

"Talking about the budget of the film, he said, “It's not a Rs 40, 50, 60 or 80 crore film, but it's not a Rs 200 or 250 crore film also. Realistically, I've shot the film in 75 shifts, not even days. No nine, 10, 12-hour shifts; we had 8-hour shifts with songs, action, everything, this cast, and even reshoots. So, the budget of the film has not crossed more than Rs 120 crore. Around Rs 115 to 120 crore. Even with interest, around Rs 125 crore. So, we are well within the budget of the film because the digital, satellite, music and overseas rights have already covered it. So now, whatever money the film makes is just a bonus," he said.

Welcome To The Jungle released in theatres on June 26.