Debate Over Work Culture in Bollywood: ‘Raja Saab’ Crew is 18-Hour Days and Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Shift Demand

A fresh conversation has emerged in the film industry after reports revealed that the crew of Prabhas’ upcoming film The Raja Saab worked for 18 hours daily without breaks. This comes in contrast to actor Deepika Padukone’s reported demand for a strict 8-hour workday on her other project Spirit. The situation has sparked public debate on fair working conditions in Bollywood.

The Long Hours Behind Big Productions
According to the makers of The Raja Saab, the crew maintained an 18-hour work schedule during key phases of the shoot. The film, featuring superstar Prabhas, is being shot on a tight timeline, requiring back-to-back work. Technicians, light boys, assistants, and camera operators have reportedly been working extended shifts to meet deadlines.

Deepika’s Different Stand
In a separate development, Deepika Padukone allegedly requested that her daily shoot schedule for Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, be limited to 8 hours. This sparked some indirect comparisons online, with some social media users questioning whether star privileges come at the cost of crew welfare.

Industry Reactions Divided
While some defend Deepika’s choice as a healthy and professional boundary-setting move, others point out the growing gap between actors and crew members when it comes to working conditions. In many Bollywood and South Indian film sets, long working hours are considered the norm, particularly for non-actors.

Reality of Film Crews in India
For crew members — many of whom are daily-wage workers — extended shifts often mean more pay, but they also lead to physical exhaustion. In Tier 2 cities like Bhopal, Kochi, and Bhubaneswar, where regional film industries are growing, such issues are becoming increasingly relevant. Without fixed labor policies for film crews, fairness often depends on each production house’s ethics.

A Call for Standard Practices
The contrasting headlines have reignited discussions around the need for labour laws in the entertainment sector. Should film workers have fixed hours? Should stars also limit their working time to avoid burnout? These are questions industry unions and producers may need to address sooner rather than later.

Conclusion
The story of The Raja Saab crew’s long shifts versus Deepika’s structured schedule is not about who is right or wrong — it reflects a deeper issue of how India’s booming film industry treats its people behind the scenes. As the spotlight grows on worker welfare, perhaps the time has come to balance professionalism with humane work practices for everyone on set.