India’s ongoing LPG shortage, triggered by disruptions in global energy supply amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, is beginning to affect the film industry in southern states, particularly Malayalam and Telugu productions. Film sets across Kerala and parts of southern India are facing difficulties arranging cooking gas for large crews, raising concerns about delays in production schedules. Industry bodies warn that if the shortage continues, it could halt shooting for several projects currently underway.

The Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA) said nearly 18 films currently being shot in Kerala could face disruption due to the shortage. KFPA president B. Rakesh warned that producers have gas supplies for only a couple of days. If the crisis persists and filming is halted, producers may collectively face losses of around ₹5 crore. He noted that halting a shoot midway can create logistical complications, as reorganising crew schedules, equipment and locations becomes costly and time-consuming.

Film productions typically require several LPG cylinders daily to prepare meals for hundreds of cast and crew members working on location. According to production controller Sidhu Panakkal, cooking at many film sets begins as early as 3 am so that breakfast can be served by morning before shooting starts. With the shortage intensifying, caterers working for Malayalam film sets in regions such as Thodupuzha and Kochi have begun switching to traditional firewood for cooking. Some have also started trimming menu options, particularly reducing vegetarian dishes, to manage limited resources.

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The shortage has also started affecting other regional film industries. Directors and producers in Telugu and Bengali cinema are exploring alternative arrangements such as induction stoves and revised catering plans to sustain large productions. Filmmakers preparing for shoots with hundreds of cast and crew members say the LPG crisis could significantly raise production costs. Unless the supply chain stabilises soon, industry insiders fear the situation may delay multiple film projects and disrupt the broader entertainment production ecosystem.

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