Governor – Chinmay Mandlekar Recalls Horniman Circle Action Shoot Experience
Governor – Director Chinmay Mandlekar has spoken about the demanding outdoor shoot for Governor: The Silent Saviour, including the safety preparations required for a fire-based action scene near Mumbai’s Horniman Circle. The filmmaker also shared details of an unexpected visit by director Rohit Shetty during the filming schedule.
Second Project With Manoj Bajpayee
Governor: The Silent Saviour is Mandlekar’s second collaboration with actor Manoj Bajpayee after Inspector Zende. The film has drawn encouraging responses following its release, and the director has now reflected on the work that went into creating one of its prominent action sequences.
According to Mandlekar, filming in a busy public area brought several practical challenges. The production team had to manage crowd movement, location logistics and safety arrangements while ensuring that the scene was completed without disruption.
Safety Measures for Fire Sequence
The director said scenes involving fire demand close coordination from every department on set. He credited action master Shinde for supervising the sequence and putting the necessary precautions in place before filming began.
“When a fire sequence is being shot, everyone on the unit has to remain alert,” Mandlekar said. He explained that the action team followed a planned process to ensure the shoot was conducted in a controlled environment.
Mandlekar noted that Shinde’s experience with large action scenes helped the crew execute the sequence effectively. The team worked carefully around the requirements of the location, particularly because Horniman Circle is a well-known and frequently visited part of Mumbai.
Challenges of Shooting in a Public Location
The filmmaker described the shoot as a significant logistical exercise due to the number of people present in the area. Action scenes filmed in open public spaces require additional coordination, especially when special effects, equipment and safety personnel are involved.
He said the sequence was completed in an organised manner despite the challenges. The crew’s preparation and the action department’s planning played an important role in ensuring the scene was filmed safely.
The director added that the final result made the effort worthwhile, as the sequence came together as intended on screen.
Rohit Shetty Visits the Set
Mandlekar also recalled a memorable moment from the shoot when Rohit Shetty arrived at the location unexpectedly. Shetty was reportedly in the area to inspect a possible location for one of his own projects.
After learning that an action scene was being filmed nearby, Shetty visited the Governor set. Mandlekar said the visit was a special moment for the cast and crew, particularly because they were working on an action sequence at the time.
Rohit Shetty is widely known for directing large-scale commercial action films, and his presence encouraged the team during the shoot. Mandlekar said Shetty wished the unit well before leaving the location.
A Memorable Day for the Film Unit
The director described the encounter as one of those unexpected moments that can make a filming schedule memorable. For the Governor team, the visit came during a demanding part of the production and added to the excitement surrounding the sequence.
Mandlekar said the biggest satisfaction for the crew was seeing the scene completed successfully. He praised the efforts of the action team and the unit members who worked through the complexities of filming at a crowded Mumbai location.