A few days back, the makers of Super Machi created a splash after becoming the first Telugu film to resume shooting post the lockdown.
The film’s director Puli Vasu filmed scenes on the lead cast members, Rachita Ram and Kalyaan Dhev, Chiranjeevi’s son-in-law.
However, when speaking to Kalyaan about his experience of shooting post the lockdown, what appears to stand out to the actor is a sense of strangeness.
“It was completely strange given the many differences in processes and procedures now. However, we did shoot keeping in mind social distance. Though it was difficult on the first day, we soon got used to it. All the technicians wore masks and shields, crew had their hands constantly sanitised and we followed all the guidelines,” shares Kalyaan.
“None of the crew got close to each other and would jokingly chant ‘Corona, Corona.’ Thankfully, there were no tense moments, and everyone in the crew adjusted well. We have just two days of shooting and one song left.”
Inspiring through quarantine
However, getting out into the COVID-19 world came with its prerequisites for Kalyaan. For instance, he decided to get into self-quarantine since he resumed shooting so not to risk his family and kids. Kalyaan tells us how Sreeja, his wife supported him.
“I didn’t want to take a chance, so I discussed the issue with Sreeja and after a thoughtful consideration we decided to go ahead with my self-quarantining. Sreeja was the one who planned and arranged for everything I’d need to stay on my own. I decided that while shooting, I would quarantine myself at home on the ground floor,” explains Kalyaan.
“I wash my own clothes and do my own chores, and I shall continue doing so for another 14 days. I interact with my kids and Sreeja, who live on the floors above, via FaceTalk and Skype. I won’t deny that self-quarantining has been a challenge for me especially because I am missing my kids.”
Being cautious
Kalyaan goes on to tell us that Mamayya, (father-in-law Chiranjeevi), had welcomed his decision to shoot, saying that someone had to start somewhere.
“However, while Mamayya was encouraging me, he shared a few of his concerns with me,” he said. “Among other things, he told me to make sure the hair and makeup people wear PPE kits while working with us.”
Thus began the shoot, with Kalyaan self-quarantined and geared up to ensure social distancing as well as protection. Unexpectedly for him, though, from Day 1 of the shoot, Kalyaan began getting appreciative and encouraging messages from his colleagues in the industry.
