Film shooting has been partially banned in engineering colleges coming under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).
The decision was taken considering its impact on academic activities.
Of late, directors have been preferring engineering colleges to shoot films dealing with college life considering the attractive ambience there. In a circular to its 220 affiliated colleges, VTU has directed college managements not to let out campuses for shooting.
“In fact, it was a demand by many faculty members. We’ve taken the decision to partially ban shooting based on their demand,” H N Jagannath Reddy, registrar, VTU told DH.
Teachers from engineering colleges especially in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru had requested VTU to ban shooting as it affected the academic process.
“Students would skip classes and go out to watch the shooting. The noise and equipment of the crew also affected learning. In some colleges, classes were suspended, while teachers couldn’t complete the syllabi,” Reddy added.
Teachers found it difficult to cope with the situation as VTU’s academic calendar is extremely engaging.
However, VTU has partially permitted colleges to rent their campuses.
“We don’t mind campuses being used for shooting during vacations.
“The circular states that campuses could be used for shooting only during vacations,” Reddy clarified.
In the past two years, many engineering students themselves took up short film projects using campus facilities.
Two private colleges in Bengaluru that became autonomous in 2013 are most preferred locations for directors.
“We have just one batch attached to the VTU left and the rule doesn’t concern us. We discourage activities that affect learning,” the principal of a college said.
College managements rent out their campuses on a daily basis. In some instances, the managements want producers to pay for some funds, instead of rent.
Rajendra Singh Babu, president, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy (KCA), admitted that shooting affected academics and welcomed VTU’s stand.
“Campuses should be used without affecting students and teachers,” he said.
Rakshith Shetty, actor-director, termed the VTU’s decision unfair.
“We shot Kirik Party (2016) in an engineering college in Hassan without affecting the daily schedule. VTU’s rule is not fair,” he said.