Will Intimacy On-Screen Be A Thing Of The Past Post Corona And Two Swaying Flowers Meeting Take Over?

There is much debate brewing on how will movies  which will be made in Post-Corona times, shoot intimate scenes with actors. With strict COVID-19 precautions staring straight at the face of the film industry, actors will be reluctant to shoot passionate scenes with co-actors, from a safety point of view. Will this be time to hark back to the much lampooned swaying flowers or courtship of swans of the 1960-70s, to depict physical passion ?

“Doing away with intimate display of romance could be a reality for filmmakers, at least for the immediate future Given that an array of hygiene restrictions will have to be put in force, this , I think, would be the least of the issues. Keeping the health and safety in mind of the actors, support staff on the sets and others will be of paramount importance,” says Siddharth Anand Kumar, Vice-President, Films and Events, Saregama India 

Over the last few years, Yoodlee Films, the film production arm of Saregama India, has been garnering accolades from film buffs and critics from all over the world, for their impressive roster.  Films like Ajji, Hamid, Noblemen, KD (Tamil) have been the toast of film festivals worldwide, while films like Kanpuriye, Chhappad Phaad Ke, Music Teacher and Ascharyafuckit  have found popularity as originals in various video OTT platforms. Specifically Ascharyachakit-  a film that dealt with the sexual dynamic between four people strewn across the class divide, and  Music Teacher — a broken love story between a music teacher and his student, had several intimate scenes, between its lead actors.

Adding further on the issues of filming romance on celluloid, Siddharth adds that film makers are creative people and sooner or later, innovative way to show intimacy will be found. “Everything depends on the story and what the need of the story is. Sooner than later, a work around will come into place. With special effects, advanced technology and clever camera work, I am sure that intimacy on screen will not be relegated to swaying flowers and swans necking !”

The issue of whether intimate scenes will soon become a thing of the past has been the centre of debate for some time now. Internationally too, there is an ongoing deliberation on the road ahead.  But that is not the most pressing issue for film makers in India though.  Getting shooting back on track , the commencement of theatres for public and the release of the stream of films that are lying ready, is top of mind for the Indian film industry.

Yoodlee Films is one of the first production houses who is actively planning out logistics of shoot schedules, given the possible restrictions, post the lockdown. Right from sanitising the sets to compulsory wearing of masks and gloves and permitting only a minimum number on the sets are some of the many precautions this film production house has already given a thought to.