Thamma Director Praises Rashmika’s 12-Hour Shoots Amid Deepika's 8-Hour Shift Debate

The Hindi film industry's heated debate over 8-hour shifts has gained fresh momentum, with Thamma director Aditya Sarpotdar revealing that lead actress Rashmika Mandanna routinely works 12-hour days without complaint. Speaking to News18, Sarpotdar acknowledged the physical and mental toll of extended schedules but argued that 12 hours remains practical and fair. He emphasized that while grueling 24-hour shoots are unacceptable, flexibility should exist when actors and directors align on mutual expectations.

Sarpotdar singled out Rashmika’s dedication on the Thamma set, noting she never once cited fatigue despite the demanding horror-comedy schedule. “She’s at a career stage where she can handle it, but one rule shouldn’t apply to all,” he stated, stressing the need for individualized agreements. The film, which also stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal, grossed Rs 121.80 crore domestically since its Diwali release, validating the team’s rigorous efforts.

The conversation traces back to Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD sequel over long hours, prompting polarized views across Bollywood. Sarpotdar urged understanding Deepika’s stance without blanket judgments, saying her demand stems from specific personal and professional context. He advocated for empathy rather than generic criticism, especially given the industry’s history of exploitative practices.

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Sarpotdar also shared how the team accommodated veteran Paresh Rawal’s health concerns by condensing his portions into shorter windows. “We promised to finish his work quickly so he could rest,” he recalled, underlining a director’s duty to prioritize crew welfare. This approach, he suggested, balances productivity with humanity, especially for senior artists or those with medical limitations.

Rashmika herself has previously admitted to overworking in the past, calling it “unsustainable” and advocating for structured hours to preserve health and family life. With her next film The Girlfriend releasing this Friday, the debate continues to spotlight the need for sustainable practices. As Bollywood evolves, voices like Sarpotdar’s highlight the delicate balance between creative passion and worker rights.

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