Worker’s Death on Love & War Set Puts Film Industry’s Safety Record Under Fresh Scrutiny

The death of a carpenter working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War has reignited concerns over safety standards, gruelling work schedules and the responsibilities of film producers toward thousands of technicians and labourers who work behind the scenes of major productions.

Chandradhari Singh Yadav, a 42-year-old carpenter, died after suffering an electric shock while working at Royal Pump Studio in Mumbai’s Film City during the production of the film starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Preliminary findings have pointed to a possible short circuit, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

The tragedy has prompted the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to demand stronger action from the production house, arguing that compensation alone cannot address the larger issues surrounding worker welfare and safety.

Compensation Offer Draws Further Demands

Following the incident, Bhansali Productions announced ₹40 lakh as compensation for Yadav’s family. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.

FWICE has asked that the amount be increased to ₹50 lakh and has urged the production house to support the education of the deceased worker’s children. The federation has also requested employment for Yadav’s wife to provide the family with a stable source of income.

FWICE President BN Tiwari said the federation’s concern extends beyond immediate financial assistance and includes the long-term welfare of workers’ families.

“Firstly, we want the compensation to be ₹50 lakh given his children are very young, and the family will need aide for their education. Also, we have called for stricter safety measures on set, and also have the work hours streamlined for these workers. He was such a talented technician, and it’s heartbreaking that he lost his life this way.”

Questions Raised Over Working Hours

The incident has also drawn attention to the demanding schedules often faced by technicians and daily wage workers on film sets.

FWICE General Secretary Ashok Dubey said Yadav had reportedly been working from 7 am until 3 am the following day for three consecutive days before the accident. The federation argues that such schedules place immense physical strain on workers and increase the risk of mistakes, fatigue and workplace accidents.

Labour representatives have repeatedly accused sections of the film industry of failing to enforce reasonable work hours despite long-standing complaints from workers’ unions. They have called for stricter monitoring of production schedules and mandatory compliance with labour regulations.

Safety Concerns Extend Beyond One Production

The fatal accident has renewed a broader conversation about safety standards on large-scale film productions.

FWICE and the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) have called for regular inspections of electrical systems, cabling and temporary structures built for film shoots. Industry representatives argue that large productions involving hundreds of workers require rigorous safety checks rather than reactive measures after accidents occur.

Ashoke Pandit, President of IFTDA and chief advisor to FWICE, has urged producer bodies, studios and authorities to conduct regular audits of sets and electrical infrastructure to reduce workplace risks.

A History of Reported Mishaps

The latest tragedy has also brought renewed attention to reported accidents and disruptions associated with some of Bhansali’s past productions.

During the making of Padmaavat in 2017, reports stated that a labourer died while working on the film’s elaborate set. The production also faced repeated disruptions, including violent protests, vandalism and arson attacks on sets in Kolhapur. Bhansali himself was assaulted during filming in Jaipur, leading to shooting delays and heightened security measures.

Reports from the production of Devdas in 2002 also alleged that a crew member died during the filming of a technically demanding storm sequence at Mumbai’s Film City, while another technician was injured.

While the circumstances surrounding each incident were different, workers’ bodies argue that they collectively highlight the need for stronger safeguards across the industry, especially on large productions involving complex sets, extensive electrical installations and prolonged shooting schedules.

Focus Shifts to Industry Accountability

The death of Chandradhari Singh Yadav has become more than an isolated tragedy for many film workers. Labour organisations say it reflects deeper concerns about how the industry treats the technicians, carpenters, electricians and daily wage earners who build and operate the grand sets that define many big-budget productions.

As investigations continue, workers’ unions are pressing producers and industry bodies to move beyond compensation packages and address what they describe as longstanding issues involving safety enforcement, working hours and accountability on film sets.

The movie Love & War is scheduled for release on January 21, 2027.