The fate of Bollywood shoots, which were put on hold since April 15, hangs in the balance as the state government imposed stricter curbs that will be in effect till the early hours of May 1. Several big-ticket productions, including Alia Bhatt-led Gangubai Kathiawadi and Deepika Padukone’s yet-untitled next with Shakun Batra, were to wrap up in April. For now though, the movie industry has no option but to wait and watch even as the clock ticks on and production expenses soar.

“Sanjay Leela Bhansali has 20 days of shoot left after which he can call it a wrap on his cherished project. Shakun has only five days’ work left, which requires lead actors Deepika and Siddhant Chaturvedi to shoot at the Gateway of India. While the team didn’t get the necessary permissions in early April, the shutdown that followed soon after only delayed things further. Similarly, Aamir Khan had planned a 20-day final schedule of Laal Singh Chaddha in Mumbai for April-end. Even after the situation stabilises, Aamir may shoot the portions outside Mumbai,” reveals a source. The superstar’s son Junaid, meanwhile, is learning of the unpredictability that comes with the profession — the youngster had only begun filming his debut venture Maharaja in Marol when the junta curfew brought it to a halt. It has been tough luck for Taapsee Pannu too, who, after months of cricket training, had faced the camera for Shabaash Mithu on April 5.