Bollywood will resume film shoots immediately, industry representatives said Thursday, but strict virus rules banning "elaborate or extravagant" scenes threaten to strip the world's biggest movie-making machine of its trademark dazzle.
The decision by three major industry bodies ends a months-long hiatus following the imposition of a nationwide coronavirus lockdown in India in late March.
Although the government allowed shoots to resume earlier this month, producers, actors and crew have been embroiled in negotiations about the health risks involved.
On Thursday, industry representatives said they had "amicably resolved the outstanding issues (and) paved the way for the immediate resumption of shootings", including the provision of medical and life insurance to all crew members.
But tough restrictions to fight the spread of the virus pose a major challenge to filmmakers, who will not be allowed to film wedding scenes or fight sequences that have long been Bollywood staples.
Furthermore, actors over the age of 65 are banned from being on set -- a rule that would see some of India's most revered stars, such as 77-year-old Amitabh Bachchan, forced to stay home instead.
Social distancing norms will put a stop to scenes showing actors kissing or embracing, spelling a return to the more conservative 1980s, when Bollywood songs often cut to images of flowers brushing against each other -- then a shorthand for romance.
Producers will also be required to have a doctor, nurse and an ambulance on set -- a punishing requirement at a time when Mumbai is already struggling with a shortage of health workers and ambulances.
The 16-page set of guidelines, framed by the Producers Guild of India, also includes a request for actors to do their hair and makeup at home and urges casting directors to locate real-life relatives for family sequences to limit interactions between strangers.
Steven Spielberg revisits the turbulent shoot of Jaws five decades later Getty Images 
Steven Spielberg's Clapperboard from Jaws Getty Images
Steven Spielberg reflects on ‘Jaws’ at 50 as he recalls the chaos that made him fear being firedGetty Images
Margot Robbie’s thong and Dakota Johnson’s sheer Gucci prove naked dressing is ruling 2025 red carpets Getty Images 
Margot Robbie attends the European Premiere of "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" at Odeon Luxe LeicesterGetty Images
Dakota Johnson attends the Kering Foundation's Fourth Annual Caring for Women Dinner at The Pool Getty Images
A still from Hotel London showing the Bangladeshi family navigating life in a temporary hotel room 
‘Hotel London’ 4K remaster premieres at BFI London Film Festival spotlighting Black and South Asian Workshop legacy
‘Hotel London’ resurfaces in 4K after decades to confront Britain’s housing injustice and lost South Asian screen history
Priyanka Chopra Jonas commands NYFW 2025 front row with Mindy Kaling as Nick Jonas looks on proudly Getty Images 
Nick opts for an earthy brown suit for the event Getty Images 
Mindy Kaling attends the Ralph Lauren show Getty Images 
Tamannaah Bhatia opens up about her unique mental trick to tackle sexism in Indian cinema Getty Images 
Tamannaah Bhatia says imagining men in sarees gave her courage to thrive in a male-dominated industryGetty Images
Tamannaah Bhatia reflects on her journey across Bollywood and South Indian cinema after Baahubali successGetty Images
Tamannaah Bhatia stars in Amazon Prime Video’s new series Do You Wanna Partner alongside Diana PentyGetty Images
Tamannaah Bhatia stresses the importance of women voicing their ideas in an industry that often sidelines themGetty Images