The blacklisting of filmmaker Aditya Dhar's production house by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sparked questions around whether 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' will miss its planned March 19 release. However, sources close to the project insist the sequel remains on schedule despite the civic hurdle, reported The Indian Express.
Blacklisting sparks delay concerns
On Monday, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone I) blacklisted Dhar and his brother Lokesh Dhar's B62 Studios from applying for shoot permissions in Mumbai, as reported by The Indian Express. The action followed what the BMC described as "repeated violations" of safety norms on the sets of the Ranveer Singh-starrer sequel. Documents confirm that the municipal body has received official sanction to enforce the blacklisting.
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A BMC official told The Indian Express, "Having received the clearances, the three applicants – Komal Pokhriyal, Nasir Khan and B62 production house – can no longer apply for shoot permissions with the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development CL website. On Tuesday, we will also be issuing notices to this three applicants informing of the action, and a copy of the notice will also be shared with the Maharashtra film cell and BMC's Business Cell head."
Sequel still on track
Despite the development, a source associated with the production informed SCREEN that filming in Mumbai continues and no delay is expected. The team is confident of meeting the March 19 target, which coincides with Eid, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi. The release is also expected to clash with Geethu Mohandas' Kannada action thriller 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grownups' starring Yash.
The legal loophole
While B62 Studios and two other named applicants cannot directly seek permissions, a workaround remains. "While the three blacklisted applicants can no longer apply after BMC clearance, the application can still be filed for their shoots on behalf of a fourth applicant and as such, permissions can still be granted to them for filming," a source told The Indian Express on condition of anonymity. This means another entity, including co-producer Jio Studios, can legally submit applications.
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Why the crackdown happened
The action stems from a night shoot in South Mumbai's Fort area on February 14 where lit torches and flammable materials were allegedly used despite written assurances that fire effects would be added through VFX. A BMC official stated, "After receiving the complaint again after 15 minutes, the officials from Mumbai police arrived on the site and the five torches (Mashals) lit during the shoot were seized by the police. It was also ensured that no flammable object was used during the course of the shoot till 4 am."
Authorities have also sought forfeiture of a Rs 25,000 deposit, a Rs 1 lakh fine and penalties for unauthorised generator vans and terrace filming.
