In an era where work-life balance is a buzzword, actors Rana Daggubati and Dulquer Salmaan have thrown a reality check on the glamour of filmmaking. During a panel discussion, the stars candidly dismantled the notion of “fixed work hours” on sets, calling cinema a “9-to-9” passion that demands total surrender. “This isn’t a 9-to-5 job; it’s 9-to-9, and even that’s an understatement,” Rana quipped, emphasizing how the creative process blurs boundaries between work and life. Dulquer nodded in agreement, adding, “You can’t clock in and out—it’s your soul on the line.” Their exchange, part of the “South Indian Cinema: A Global Phenomenon” session, resonated with aspiring filmmakers, highlighting the industry’s relentless rhythm in India’s ₹101 billion entertainment landscape.
Rana’s Raw Take: “You Live, Eat, Breathe Cinema”
Rana Daggubati, known for his commanding presence in Baahubali (2015) and Yudh (2014), spoke from experience. “When you’re on a project, it’s all-consuming. You don’t leave it at the gate; it follows you home, into your dreams,” he said, recalling the grueling schedules of Baahubali. For Rana, the lack of fixed hours fosters innovation: “That’s where magic happens—at 3 AM when you’re exhausted but the scene clicks.” He urged newcomers to embrace the chaos: “If you want clockwork, pick another field. Cinema rewards those who live it.”
Dulquer’s Balanced Perspective: “It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint”
Dulquer Salmaan, the pan-India star of Sita Ramam (2022) and Maharaja (2024), offered a nuanced view. “My father [Mammootty] taught me it’s a marathon—long hours build depth, but burnout is real,” he shared. Dulquer highlighted the mental toll: “You pour your soul into a role, then switch off for family. It’s tough, but boundaries matter.” He advocated for healthier practices: “Modern sets are improving with wellness breaks, but passion often overrides the clock.” Dulquer’s words echoed his own journey, from 18-hour Malayalam shoots to streamlined Bollywood schedules.
The Bigger Picture: Industry’s Evolving Rhythm
The duo’s insights mirror broader shifts. While Bollywood’s 12-14 hour days persist, OTT platforms like Netflix enforce 10-hour caps, as seen in Sacred Games. Yet, passion drives the grind—Rana noted, “Fixed hours kill creativity.” Their IFFI chat, moderated by Anupama Chopra, sparked applause for demystifying stardom.
Passion’s Unclocked Pulse
Rana and Dulquer’s 9-to-9 truth isn’t toil—it’s testament. As sets summon souls beyond shifts, it thunders: Can devotion defy the dial? Their unyielding unison affirms yes, scripting cinema’s ceaseless chapter where hours heal into heritage.
-By Manoj H