The conversation around working hours in the film industry refuses to slow down. What started as a discussion has now turned into a full-blown debate, with actors, filmmakers, and technicians sharing their perspectives. It all gained momentum when Deepika Padukone reportedly stepped away from major projects like Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, sparking conversations around eight-hour work shifts and work-life balance. Now, filmmaker Mohit Suri has shared his take on the issue. And his perspective brings in a very different angle.
Instead of focusing only on actors, he shifts the spotlight to the entire crew. And in doing so, he recalls a striking moment from the past when Emraan Hashmi shot continuously for 24 hours.
Mohit Suri On The Eight-Hour Shift Debate
Speaking about the ongoing discussion, Mohit Suri made it clear that the issue is being looked at in a limited way. According to him, the debate has become more about ego rather than practicality. He said,
“I have had actors work 24 hours when needed. When we were shooting for Awarapan and we had a really expensive location in the presidential suite of the Intercontinental Hotel on the terrace, we had it only for 24 hours. I remember Emraan Hashmi shot 24 hours with me… We are making it an ego argument. Why should someone dictate the shift? But let’s look at how quality of work happens, right? I mean if a unit is working 12 hours on the shift, they are actually working 14 hours because they are loading, unloading. They’re getting paid only for that 12 hours. I mean it could be even 15 hours. Then they go home.”
His statement highlights the ground reality of film sets. While official shifts may look structured on paper, the actual working hours often extend far beyond that.
Beyond Actors: The Crew That Keeps The Industry Running
What stands out in Mohit Suri’s argument is his focus on the crew. He believes that any discussion about working hours should not be limited to actors alone. He said,
“We are making this more about the actors and thinking they are demanding it. But let’s think about the unit because I’ve been an assistant director who, after the shoot has packed up, is waiting in the bus while the unit wraps up in the rain, while the lightmen wrap up, to be dropped at the station. And I know how difficult it is for the rest of the unit. We are getting egoistic about the fact that an actor has suggested it. But let’s think about the humanity of this also.”
This perspective adds depth to the debate. It shifts the conversation from privilege to practicality. From comfort to fairness. Film sets are not run by actors alone. Hundreds of crew members work behind the scenes. Their schedules are often longer and more physically demanding. And yet, they are rarely part of the larger conversation.
Is The Debate Becoming One-Sided?
Mohit Suri also pointed out that too much attention is being given to actors when discussing work hours. He said that people are “just giving too much attention to the beauty sleep of actors”, while ignoring the larger ecosystem of filmmaking. At the same time, he clarified that if a shoot can be completed within eight hours, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
However, he stressed that the discussion needs a broader perspective. It cannot be reduced to a single narrative.
This is where the debate becomes interesting. On one hand, actors are advocating for better work-life balance. On the other hand, filmmakers like Mohit are highlighting the complexities of production schedules and crew dynamics.
How The Debate Started
The conversation around eight-hour shifts gained attention after reports of Deepika Padukone
exiting Spirit, a pan-India film starring Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The reported reason included differences over creative terms and a request for fixed working hours.Her exit led to Triptii Dimri stepping into the project. But more importantly, it triggered a larger discussion on professionalism, remuneration, and work conditions in high-budget films.
Since then, several actors like Kareena Kapoor, Ananya Panday, and Divya Dutta have shared their views on having fixed working hours. The industry, for once, seems divided.
Emraan Hashmi And Mohit Suri: A Long Association
The anecdote about Emraan Hashmi shooting for 24 hours is not just a random reference. It reflects the long-standing collaboration between the actor and Mohit Suri.
From Awarapan to several other projects, the duo has delivered memorable films together. Their working relationship has always been intense and committed. That is why this example stands out. It shows the level of dedication that goes into filmmaking. But at the same time, it also raises questions about sustainability. Can such schedules continue in today’s evolving industry?
What Lies Ahead
On the professional front, Mohit Suri is currently working on his next film. Not much has been revealed yet, and the cast is still under wraps. However, expectations are high, especially after the success of his recent film Saiyaara.
Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi has been on a strong run with projects like the courtroom drama Haq and the web series Taskaree: A Smugglers Web. He is now busy working on Awarapan 2, which has already created buzz among fans.
Conclusion
The eight-hour shift debate is far from over. And voices like Mohit Suri’s are adding important layers to the conversation. It is not just about actors. It is about the entire ecosystem. From assistant directors to lightmen, every individual on set plays a crucial role.
While the idea of fixed working hours sounds ideal, the reality of filmmaking is far more complex. It requires balance, understanding, and a willingness to look at the bigger picture. As the industry evolves, one thing is clear. Conversations like these are necessary. Because they push the industry to rethink, adapt, and grow.
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