The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has initiated legal proceedings following the tragic death of a crew member on the set of Love & War. They have formally requested the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to file a First Information Report (FIR) against filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The association has also demanded a compensation sum of Rs 1 crore for the family of the deceased, Chandradhari Singh Yadav, as well as a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Concerns Over Safety Standards

AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta has expressed serious concerns regarding the safety protocols in place on film sets. The organisation’s letter highlighted that the lack of adherence to mandatory safety measures contributed to the fatal incident. Gupta stated that the death could have potentially been avoided had the correct safety procedures been enforced during the production. The matter has ignited calls for a thorough review of workplace safety in the film industry.

Past Incidents Highlighted

The association’s letter also referenced several past accidents allegedly associated with Bhansali’s film projects. Gupta mentioned that during the filming of Devdas, worker Dindayal Yadav lost his life, while another individual sustained serious injuries. Additionally, the deaths of worker Mukesh Dakiya during the production of Padmaavat and Subhash Morkar during the same time period were cited as further evidence of safety concerns linked to Bhansali’s productions. This pattern has raised alarms about the adequacy of safety measures in place during film shoots.

AICWA has called for a high-level investigation into the latest incident to ascertain accountability and ensure that such tragedies do not recur in the future. The organisation has urged the state government to intervene and direct authorities to register an FIR against not only Bhansali, but also the production house and any individuals deemed responsible.

Demands for Compensation and Future Protocols

Apart from seeking the registration of an FIR, AICWA has put forth comprehensive demands aimed at supporting the family of Yadav. They have requested Rs 1 crore in compensation for Yadav’s family, financial assistance or employment for his widow, and ongoing financial support for his two daughters until they achieve financial independence. These measures are seen as necessary steps toward addressing the loss of life and its impact on the affected family.

The association has also urged that all shooting activities at the location be temporarily halted until compliance with safety regulations is assured. This includes calls for regular safety audits across film sets in Maharashtra to enhance safety measures and enforce stricter adherence to workplace safety regulations. AICWA believes these changes are essential to protect the lives of crew members working in the film industry.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has corroborated the details of the incident and reiterated the urgent need for improved safety measures within the industry. As this situation unfolds, there is an increasing awareness and demand for better regulations to safeguard the well-being of crew members during film productions.

Details of the Incident

Chandradhari Singh Yadav, a carpenter, tragically lost his life from electric shock while working on the set of Love & War at Film City in Mumbai. Bhansali Productions has reportedly offered Rs 40 lakh as compensation to Yadav’s family. Yadav leaves behind his wife and two daughters, marking a significant loss for his family and raising important discussions about safety measures in the film industry.

Love & War, featuring prominent actors including Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt, is scheduled to be released on January 21, 2027, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. This film represents a reunion for Kapoor and Bhatt following their collaboration in Brahmastra Part One: Shiva and is Bhansali’s first project since directing Gangubai Kathiawadi.

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