The debate around working conditions in the Indian film industry continues as another actress voices her support for shorter shifts. Following Deepika Padukone's advocacy for an 8-hour workday, a South Indian actress, now reportedly cast in Prabhas' upcoming film Spirit, is also championing the cause for better working hours for film crews.
The actress, Keerthy Suresh, has spoken out about the grueling schedules that are common in the industry, revealing the harsh realities behind the glamorous facade. She joins the conversation that ignited after Deepika Padukone reportedly requested an 8-hour shift, a move that led to her departure from Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD Part 2. Since then, Padukone has been vocal about the need for fixed working hours, especially for new mothers, sparking a debate about work-life balance, gender bias, and the normalization of exhaustion in the film industry.
Suresh, a National Award-winning actress, emphasized that fixed working hours are beneficial for both actors and technicians. She shared her own experiences of working long hours, sometimes from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day, while simultaneously managing multiple projects. She illustrated a typical workday, highlighting how a 9 a.m. call time translates to waking up at 5:30 a.m. and not returning home until 8:15 p.m., leaving little time for rest and personal activities. Suresh pointed out that while Tamil and Telugu cinema often have a 9-to-6 standard, other industries still follow relentless timelines, compromising the health and well-being of everyone involved.
Padukone's initial stance faced mixed reactions, with some industry insiders claiming that demanding limited work hours is a common practice during contract negotiations. However, Padukone has also highlighted the double standards in the industry, noting that many male superstars have been working 8-hour shifts for years without drawing media attention. She has also described the film industry as disorganized and stated that it is time to bring in some system.
Notably, Padukone has emphasized a shift in her priorities, focusing on fair labor practices and empowering emerging talent over high-budget projects. She described the glorification of burnout as misplaced, stating that "Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind".
The film Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has generated considerable buzz, with Prabhas in the lead role. The cast includes Triptii Dimri, veteran actress Kanchana, Prakash Raj, and Vivek Oberoi, who is reportedly playing an antagonist. The film is slated for a 2026 release in multiple languages.
While Spirit moves forward with its cast, the conversation around working hours continues, with more voices joining the call for sustainable and healthy work environments in the Indian film industry.
