Workweek – Vikrant Massey Says India Is Not Ready for a Four-Day Week
Workweek –Vikrant Massey believes the ongoing debate around shorter work weeks should be viewed in the context of India’s current stage of economic development. Speaking during the promotional campaign for his upcoming Netflix series Musafir Cafe, the actor said that while a four-day work week has shown promise in some developed countries, the same approach may not be practical for India at this point. He described the issue as layered and said it requires consideration of the country’s broader economic and social realities.
India’s Development Requires Continued Effort
Sharing his perspective, Massey pointed to the differences between India and several Northern European nations where reduced work schedules have gained acceptance. According to him, India remains a developing economy with long-term growth goals that demand sustained commitment from its workforce.
The actor said the country still has significant milestones to achieve and stressed that the coming decades will be crucial for building a stronger future. In his view, consistent hard work over the next 30 to 50 years will be necessary if India is to fully realise its potential and create better opportunities for future generations.
Entertainment Industry Faces Unique Challenges
Massey also reflected on the working conditions within the film and television industry, explaining that production schedules are influenced by financial and logistical constraints. He noted that entertainment projects involve substantial investments, making time management a critical factor during filming.
He explained that although production shifts are often scheduled for around 12 hours, the actual time spent filming is much lower due to preparations, technical adjustments, lighting setups and other production requirements. As a result, shooting days can occasionally stretch well beyond the planned schedule, sometimes lasting up to 16 or 17 hours to accommodate budget limitations and practical demands.
Actor Discusses Work-Life Balance Debate
The discussion around shorter work weeks has gained momentum across the world, with several organisations experimenting with flexible schedules to improve employee well-being and productivity. However, Massey believes that policies successful in developed economies cannot always be directly applied to countries that are still focused on accelerating economic growth.
He maintained that while work-life balance remains an important objective, each country must determine what best suits its own economic circumstances. According to the actor, India’s present priorities require balancing employee welfare with the demands of national development.
Focus Shifts to Upcoming Netflix Release
Apart from sharing his thoughts on workplace culture, Massey also spoke about his latest project, Musafir Cafe, a romantic drama scheduled to premiere on Netflix on July 24. In the series, he portrays the character Chander in a story centred on love, heartbreak and personal transformation.
The actor described the script as one of the strongest he has encountered in his career, adding that the role challenged him emotionally in ways he had not previously experienced. He said the character required him to explore deeper emotional layers, making the project both demanding and rewarding.
Cast and Release Details
Directed by Ruchir Arun, Musafir Cafe features Mahima Makwana and Vedika Pinto alongside Vikrant Massey in key roles. The upcoming OTT release explores relationships, emotional healing and self-discovery, and is expected to reach audiences on July 24 through Netflix.