The statement of Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone voicing concerns about erratic work hours and demanding an eight-hour workday for a work-life balance divided the industry and the internet. Some celebrities came to her support, and others explained why setting such a schedule is not possible in the film industry.
Actor Keerthy Suresh, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Revolver Rita, in her conversation with The New Indian Express, commented on the debate saying that an eight-hour workday would be ideal, but there are certain peculiarities in certain industries that the actors need to be flexible. She said, "In the Tamil and Telugu industries, there is a strict eight-hour work schedule. When actors stand by the eight-hour work demand, it's not just for us, but for the crew, too. Even in a 9-6 call sheet, we need to start preparing from 6 am, and the day ends at 11 pm after workouts and all. An eight-hour workday isn't eight hours in the strictest sense. There is no point in accomplishing things while you are sleep deprived," She went on to add the crunch situations in certain industries that the actors too need to take into cognisance. "In Malayalam and Hindi, you have a 12-hour schedule. Malayalam films are made on a relatively modest budget with fewer shooting days, so you need to be flexible with the working hours, and, understandably, they work like that. But ideally, an eight-hour workday strikes the healthy balance between career and life."
Apart from Keerthy Suresh, Revolver Rita, directed by JK Chandra, also stars Radikaa Sarathkumar, Redin Kingsley, Mime Gopi, Sendrayan, and veteran stunt choreographer Super Subbarayan.
It may be noted that director K Chandru is making a comeback with Revolver Rita after Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham (2013).
Revolver Rita is releasing in theatres on November 28.
