FEFSI observed that most production companies, with few exceptions, fail to follow safety regulations like medical aid on the sets.
Published Jul 25, 2024 | 3:53 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 25, 2024 | 3:53 PM
FEFSI halts Chennai shoots to honour deceased 'Sardar 2' stuntman. (Creative Commons)
In honour of Ezhumalai, the 54-year-old stuntman who tragically fell to his death from 20 feet on the sets of PS Mithran’s Sardar 2 last week, the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) has declared a ‘No Shoot Day’ in Chennai on Thursday, 25 July. The accident occurred at LV Prasad Studios in Saligramam, Chennai.
FEFSI chairperson RK Selvamani emphasised the need for appropriate protective equipment on sets. “We have repeatedly urged the Producers Association and production companies to provide medical facilities, including an ambulance. However, most production companies, with few exceptions, fail to follow these safety regulations.”
He added that many film artistes and workers often work without safety equipment in hazardous conditions, leading to incidents on set.
“To address this, we have organised a special safety awareness meeting for film artistes and workers at 9 am today (25 July) at Kamala Theatre in Vadapalani. No indoor shoots, for both television and film, will take place in Chennai on July 25 to ensure all association members attend the meeting.”
Sardar 2 was officially launched on 12 July with a pooja ceremony attended by Mithran, Karthi, and Karthis actor-father Sivakumar. Filming began in Chennai on 15 July, and the fatal accident occurred on day 2 of the shooting.
Sardar 2 is a sequel to Mithran and Karthi’s 2022 spy thriller Sardar, where the actor played dual roles.
A police case was registered, and Ezhumalai was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. The production house, Prince Pictures, released a statement offering condolences and detailing the incident. Karthi attended Ezhumalai’s last rites.
On the work front, Karthi has several upcoming projects, including Meiyazhagan with Arvind Swami. Directed by C Premkumar, the film is set to release on 27 September, potentially clashing with Jr NTR’s Devara.
He is also working on Vaa Vaathiyare, where he plays a fan of the late actor-former CM of Tamil Nadu MGR. It is directed by Nalan Kumarasamy and will be released this year. Kaithi 2 is yet to get its release date.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Karthi will make a special appearance in his brother Suriya’s upcoming fantasy film Kanguva. While an official confirmation is awaited, if true, it will be the first film featuring both brothers on screen.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
