‘Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders’ director Honey Trehan has shared insights on the ongoing debate surrounding work hours in the entertainment industry.
Subjectivity in Work Hours
In a recent discussion, Honey emphasized that the matter ultimately rests between the director, producer, and the involved actor. He stated, “I think it’s very subjective, and it’s a community, and the understanding plays a very important role.”
He further clarified, “It’s not about 8 hours or 10 hours or 12 hours of shift in the first place. I feel that if someone is helpless, if someone has a valid or genuine reason, one should be considerate enough.”
Accommodating Collaboration
As he gears up for the release of ‘Raat Akeli Hai’, Honey discussed his experience with actress Radhika Apte, who recently became a mother. He praised Radhika’s dedication, noting, “Whenever I have called Radhika for an extra 6 hours or if I wanted her to shoot for one more day, she has given me that without any fuss. She has accommodated me in such a way.”
Honey added that Radhika has also adjusted her travel plans to meet professional obligations, remarking, “I feel this entire topic is very subjective and is a very small thing. We can sit together and work out. So, I don’t think it’s a big deal, and I don’t think it should be a big deal either.”
Individual Perspectives
Chitrangada Singh, who plays a key role in ‘Raat Akeli Hai’, chimed in on the conversation. “It’s a very subjective situation and depends on individual relationships,” she noted. She pointed out that strict work rules don’t apply here, saying, “If you need to finish a scene at 3 a.m., then you have to do it no matter what. You have to deliver the film.”
She emphasized the industry’s need for flexibility, explaining, “This industry isn’t like a corporate setup where you swipe a card and enter or leave at a fixed time. That kind of flexibility is part of filmmaking. I don’t know if it will ever be completely corporatized to that extent—maybe it will, maybe it won’t. But what exists here is a very human element.”
Understanding Industry Dynamics
Chitrangada elaborated further, stating, “People understand each other’s limitations. Actors often understand a director’s challenges; sometimes a setup doesn’t work, or it starts raining. These are things you have to work around. That’s how this industry operates, and that’s how I see it.”
About the Film
The crime thriller ‘Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders’, directed by Honey Trehan and written by Smita Singh, features a stellar cast that includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Deepti Naval, Ila Arun Bajpai, Revathy Asha Kelluni, Rajat Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Priyanka Setia, Shridhar Dubey, and Akhilendra Mishra.