Had go-ahead for Talsari shoot, says prod house

Kolkata: The march asking for justice for Rahul that has been organised on Saturday has left the film fraternity divided. On April 2, the production house officially responded to the questions that West Bengal Motion Picture Artists' Forum — an organisation of all the actors of film and television of the film industry — asked it on April 1. The production house has clarified that all formalities were complied with and all the authorities concerned were kept in the loop for the Talsari leg of the shooting. The forum is now deliberating over the reply and has distanced itself from the walk. Meanwhile, Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA) and Federation of Cine Technicians of Eastern India (FCTWEI) have pledged their support to the walk.The forum has shared a post on social media stating that the organisation has neither organised the rally nor been officially asked to be a part of the march. It also made it clear that the organisation has no problems if any artist attends the rally.The organisation had given 24 hours to the production house to answer questions and said it would initiate stern legal recourse against it without any further notice if there was any delay in responding. The forum asked whether any official permit was allowed and/or granted by the local authority in Odisha for the shooting and to furnish a copy of the document comprising such permission. It also asked to furnish relevant documents to show that prescribed safety norms and protocols were maintained and/or followed during that outdoor shoot. It also asked the production house to provide relevant proof of whether the incident occurred during the shooting or after it concluded."A reply to the questions sent to us by the forum has already been sent," said a member of the production house. According to sources, it has maintained that the house has complied with the necessary formalities for the shooting scheduled in Talsari on March 28 and 29 and has kept all the authorities and societies informed about the shooting. It also mentioned that the incident was "absolutely an unfortunate accident" and was neither the fault of the cast or crew, including Rahul. It maintained that all safety precautions were taken. It also underlined that Rahul was in "proper health and spirit" and had no "discomfort" before the event. It also said the necessary documents will be shared with the forum as soon as the clearance comes from the investigating agencies.