More than a dozen people from the film crew of Mayday have been booked by Manikpur police in Vasai for reportedly flouting Covid-19 rules. The dozen people, including the location manager, who has claimed to have taken permission from the tehsildar to shoot the movie being made under the banner of Ajay Devgn Ffilms. As per a report in Mid Day, location manager Dinesh Jaiswal, 35, of Gardenia Studio, Kaaman in Vasai had arranged shooting material at Suncity grounds in Vasai west since March 24.
“After seeing the large set up at Suncity grounds, we called the location manager who told us that he has secured permission from the tahsildar to shoot for the film. The location manager told us that Ajay Devgn was to come to shoot in Vasai,” Ahire said. “Around 15 people at the set were not following COVID rules. Either they were not wearing masks, or it was hanging down to protect their chins. They were also not maintaining social distancing. We have asked them to bring down the set,” Ahire said. “We have registered a case under Sections 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 269 (Act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life) of the Indian Penal Code and under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act. We have also asked them to bring down the set,” Ahire said.
Vasai tehsildar Ujjwala Bhagat said, “We are not authorised to give them permission. We had collected the required fee for renting out the location. In the receipt, they had been asked to take permission from the local police, municipality and others to shoot.” A large set had been erected at Suncity grounds where, on one of the days, the shooting of a plane crash had been planned. During a visit, mid-day found several tents and film crew, a few of whom were without face masks. A unit spokesperson from Mayday said, “We are unaware of any complaint made against us. Shooting has been progressing with all COVID-19 SOPs in place. Even studio and location permissions are in place. MayDay marks Ajay Devgn's return to the director's chair after Shivaay in 2016. In this thriller, he will play a pilot. Rakul Preet Singh will also be seen playing the role of a pilot in the film. This is Rakul's second film with Ajay. Earlier, they worked together in De De Pyaar De (2019). Ajay is also one of the producers of the film. MayDay also features Angira Dhar, Boman Irani and Aakanksha Singh in pivotal roles. The film is scheduled to hit the screens on April 29, 2022.