After Deepika Padukone’s Demand For 8-Hour Workday, Dulquer Salmaan, Rana Daggubati Share Why It’s Not Feasible

Since Deepika Padukone's reported exit from films like ‘Spirit’ and ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ due to a demand for an 8-hour workday, the debate around this topic has intensified, with many actors and directors weighing in. Now, Dulquer Salmaan and Rana Daggubati have shared their thoughts on the debate, alongside ‘GOAT’ producer Archana Kalpathi, in a conversation with THR India. This is what they had to say.

Dulquer Salmaan and Rana Daggubati's Take On the 8-Hour Workday

When asked about structured working hours, Rana was first amused. He then shared why it's not feasible, stating that acting is not a job; it's a lifestyle.

"You either choose to be in it or not. Each film will govern and ask for something else. It's not a factory. It's not like we sit for eight hours and the best scene is going to come out," he said, adding, "Unless the top brass involved understands that they are creating a story and are willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen, it doesn't trickle down. It's hard to define it as an industry standard."

Dulquer Salmaan also shared the same sentiment. Speaking about the work culture in the Malayalam film industry, he shared that one just keeps going. Additionally, he noted that "nobody knows when it's going to end," and claimed that the crew members are often the ones willing to work extra. "If I want to give them an off, they're like, 'No, let's just finish and go home,'" he added.

While discussing the financial strain an 8-hour workday could impose on a production, he acknowledged that "going extra on a day is cheaper than an additional day."

Archana also chimed in and reaffirmed that a 9-to-5 schedule is 'not possible' in films. She shared why shift structures are tough to implement in the industry. Adding to this, she said that everyone has to make money. "A 9-to-5 is not possible in cinema because we have all signed on into this crazy world of sunrise call sheet, sunset call sheet. It's a collaborative effort, but we should not waste anybody's time."

She noted that while smaller films can avoid holiday shoots to control costs, larger productions' costs are so high that you need to finish them.

 

 

 

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Don't miss: After Deepika Padukone, Keerthy Suresh Explains Why 8-Hour Work Days Are Important For Indian Films

Dulquer Salmaan and Rana Daggubati's Recent Work

Dulquer and Rana recently co-starred in and produced Kaantha with Wayfarer Films and Spirit Media. The film was released on November 14, 2025, and received positive reviews but failed to achieve success at the box office.

Dulquer will soon star in the Telugu film ‘Aakasamlo Oka Tara’, and ‘I'm Game’ in Malayalam, while Rana will feature in the Tamil film ‘Parasakthi’.

 

 

 

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Don't miss: Deepika Padukone Breaks Silence On 8-Hour Work Debate, Calls Out Double Standards

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