Ahmed Khan weighs in on 8 hour shift debate for 'young stars', reveals how 'Welcome To The Jungle' was shot in just 75 shifts: 'It's fair, as long as they are working'

Director Ahmed Khan has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding eight-hour work shifts in the film industry, saying the discussion is being exaggerated. While recalling the gruelling schedules that were once common in Bollywood, the filmmaker maintained that the industry has evolved and directors should organise shoots more efficiently instead of resisting the change.According to Khan, today's actors juggle multiple professional commitments beyond films, making shorter shooting hours a practical reality.

Ahmed Khan on why today's actors need a different work routine

Looking back at the early days of his career, Ahmed Khan described a time when film crews worked almost without breaks, often moving between multiple studios in a single day."See, I am from those times when we used to work 24 hours a day. I have worked three shifts - seven to two, two to ten, and nine at night till five in the morning.

We used to shoot at RK Studio, then Famous Studio, then Filmistan, counting the travelling also. We used to sleep on the sets. Toothpaste used to be in the car. We used to take a shower in the changing room. We are from that era," he shared with India Today.Despite having experienced those demanding schedules firsthand, Khan believes it is unfair to expect the younger generation to follow the same pattern. "So if we complain about eight hours today, who are we to complain?" he added.

Ahmed Khan says today's actors are working beyond film sets

Explaining why eight-hour shifts make sense in the current landscape, the filmmaker pointed out that actors now divide their time between film shoots, brand campaigns, public appearances and digital commitments."But today's youngsters, the stars and actors, if they're not shooting, they're doing appearances, Zoom calls, brand endorsements, and in the evening, they have to go somewhere else. They have other commitments.

So, they need eight hours for shooting, and then they want to be free for the rest of their work. It's fair, as long as they are working. They're not saying, 'After eight hours we're going to play tennis.' They want to work.

It's their time," he explained.He said the responsibility lies with filmmakers to plan productions accordingly. "So okay, if you're giving eight hours, we'll keep our schedule according to eight hours and shoot in eight hours.

Everyone's life becomes easy," he added.Ahmed Khan believes disagreements over work schedules are rarely about logistics and are often fuelled by ego clashes."Now if I fight and say, 'No, not eight hours. You have to do 12 hours,' and they say, 'No, I have to do eight hours,' then what will happen? You don't do it, I won't do it. So what are you fighting for? Just four hours? What is the point?" he said.Summing up his views, the director remarked, "It's a simple way of thinking.

But when ego comes in, when people don't want to work with each other, then these excuses are found."

How 'Welcome To The Jungle' proved his point

To support his argument, Ahmed Khan cited the production of his latest directorial, 'Welcome To The Jungle'. He revealed that despite featuring a large ensemble cast, songs, action sequences and even reshoots, the film was completed in just 75 shifts, all while following eight-hour workdays."It's not a Rs 40, 50, 60 or 80 crore film, but it's not a Rs 200 or 250 crore film also. Realistically, I've shot the film in 75 shifts, not even days. No nine, 10, 12-hour shifts; we had 8-hour shifts with songs, action, everything, this cast, and even reshoots. So, the budget of the film has not crossed more than Rs 120 crore. Around Rs 115 to 120 crore. Even with interest, around Rs 125 crore. So, we are well within the budget of the film because the digital, satellite, music and overseas rights have already covered it.

So now, whatever money the film makes is just a bonus," he said.'Welcome To The Jungle' was released in theatres on June 26.