PANAJI
With Maharashtra government in lockdown mode, several companies from the entertainment industry in Maharashtra are shifting their base to Goa.
As per sources, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has granted permission for film shooting to around 15 companies while several other are already camping in the State without the required permissions from the administration.
"Around 15 companies have been given permission to shoot in the State in last week", an ESG official informed.
Few have almost completed their assignments while film shoots for others is in process, the official added.
ESG is the nodal agency that gives permission of shooting of films in the State.
Among the many shoots that are presently going on in the State, more of Marathi episodes are being shot many of which are telecast on prime channels.
With the State reeling under Covid crisis, questions are being raised on how permissions have been given for such film shoots. Each episode requires a minimum 100 crew including actors. The crew stay in different hotels and rented houses, while most of the locations for shooting are private villas.
One such permission given for a shoot in Goa has been circulating on social media and netizens are criticizing the government for issuing such permissions.
The said permission has been granted for the shoot of TV serial "Bayko Ashi Havi", of Euphoria productions and Piccolo Films from Andheri West Mumbai.
Goa Forward has criticized the government for issuing permissions for shoots in Goa when the surge of Covid cases is at its peak and sought the resignation of Chief Minister for such a misgoverning act.
"Cases are increasing day by day, there is a shortage of oxygen, ventilators, oxygen beds and the government is still issuing permissions for film shoots", Goa Forward vice president Durgadas Kamat said.
