In a shocking turn of events, what was supposed to be a regular day of filming on the set of the much-anticipated film Dhurandhar turned into a nightmare when over 100 people, including several children, were rushed to hospitals due to a severe case of suspected food poisoning. The incident has raised serious questions about food safety measures on film sets, where hundreds of crew members, cast, and even family members are often present.
The Incident
The filming of Dhurandhar had been underway at an outdoor location for the past few weeks. According to sources on the set, the cast and crew were served lunch from a catering service contracted specifically for the production. Within hours of consuming the meal, many began to complain of nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dizziness. What began as a handful of complaints quickly escalated into a widespread health scare.
By late afternoon, ambulances and private vehicles were ferrying affected individuals to nearby hospitals. Medical staff reported treating patients for symptoms consistent with acute food poisoning.
Authorities later confirmed that over 100 people were hospitalised, among them several children who had accompanied their parents to the set. While most cases were reported as stable, at least a dozen individuals required close observation due to dehydration and severe symptoms.
Witness Accounts
Crew members described the situation as chaotic. “It all started around two hours after lunch. One of the junior artists complained of feeling dizzy, and within minutes, more and more people started collapsing or vomiting. It was horrifying,” said a lighting technician who wished to remain anonymous.
Parents of the children present were particularly distressed. “My son was just visiting me on set. He had the same food we all did. By evening, he was crying from stomach pain and had to be admitted to the hospital. I can’t forgive this negligence,” said a distraught crew member.
Possible Cause
Though the exact cause of the mass food poisoning has yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary investigations point towards contaminated food or improper storage of meals under the hot weather conditions at the location. Authorities suspect that either spoiled ingredients or unhygienic handling practices may have triggered the outbreak.
Health inspectors have reportedly collected food samples from the caterer, which are being sent for laboratory analysis. The catering service responsible for the meals has not yet released a statement but is expected to face scrutiny over hygiene practices.
Response from Production Team
The producers of Dhurandhar issued an official statement late in the evening expressing deep regret over the incident. The statement read:
“The health and safety of our cast, crew, and their families is of utmost importance to us. We are devastated by the unfortunate incident of food poisoning on our set today. Immediate medical assistance was provided to all affected individuals, and we are in close touch with hospitals to ensure proper care. We are cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation and will take strict action against any negligence.”
Filming has been temporarily halted until further notice, as the crew and cast recover and authorities carry out investigations.
Hospital Updates
Doctors at two major hospitals near the shooting location confirmed that they had admitted a large group of patients from the Dhurandhar set. Dr. Meera Sethi, head of emergency care at one of the hospitals, said:
“We treated around 60 patients, ranging from children to adults. Most of them were dehydrated and had severe gastroenteritis symptoms. Fortunately, with timely medical intervention, their condition has stabilised. However, we are keeping some patients under observation for 24 to 48 hours.”
Another hospital reported treating over 40 people, bringing the total number to well above 100. No fatalities have been reported so far, which doctors attribute to the swift medical response.
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Impact on the Film’s Schedule
The incident is likely to cause significant delays to the production of Dhurandhar, which had been working on a tight schedule to meet release deadlines. Sources close to the production team indicated that shooting may be postponed for at least a week, depending on the recovery of the affected crew.
Insurance claims and liability discussions are also expected, as mass hospitalisation on a film set could have serious financial implications. Industry experts say such an event might also prompt the film industry to re-examine safety regulations on sets, particularly concerning food services.
Broader Concerns About Food Safety on Sets
This is not the first time food poisoning has struck a film set. Given the demanding schedules and large number of people involved in shoots, food is often outsourced to catering services. Unfortunately, lapses in quality control, food storage, and hygiene standards can sometimes result in large-scale health risks.
Nutritionists and health experts have long warned about the importance of food safety, especially in outdoor settings where temperatures can cause rapid spoilage. “In cases where food is cooked in bulk and transported to remote sets, there is a greater chance of contamination if proper refrigeration and hygiene practices are not followed,” said Dr. Ramesh Gupta, a public health expert.
Reaction from the Film Industry
The incident has sparked conversations across the film fraternity. Several actors and filmmakers took to social media to express concern and solidarity. “Shocking and deeply disturbing to hear about what happened on the Dhurandhar set. Wishing speedy recovery to all affected,” tweeted a popular actor.
Others called for stricter safety regulations and regular inspections of catering services contracted by film productions. Film industry unions are expected to push for guidelines that prioritise crew health and enforce accountability in such situations.
Families and Local Authorities Speak Out
Families of the victims have expressed anger and demanded accountability. Many feel that negligence on the part of the caterer or production team has endangered lives. “It is not just about a film or a shoot; these are human lives at stake. My niece is only seven years old, and she had to be put on IV fluids because of this carelessness,” said a relative of one of the victims.
Local authorities, meanwhile, have assured that strict action will be taken against those found responsible. A senior official stated, “We have sealed the food stock left at the location. Samples are being tested, and if negligence is proven, legal action will be initiated. The safety of workers and their families cannot be compromised.”
Moving Forward
As the dust settles, the focus remains on ensuring full recovery for the affected individuals. Hospitals are continuing to monitor patients, while authorities investigate the root cause of the poisoning.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for stringent food safety practices, particularly in industries like film where large groups are fed daily in makeshift environments. It also highlights the responsibility of production teams to prioritise the well-being of their cast and crew above all else.
For Dhurandhar, the tragedy has cast a shadow over its production. While fans eagerly await the film, the safety lapse has raised questions that cannot be ignored. Going forward, the film industry may have to adopt more rigorous food safety protocols to prevent such incidents from recurring.
