Amidst the growing tension between India and Maldives, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced their decision to call for a boycott of shoots in the island nation. They urged all Indian film and television producers to cancel their shoots in Maldives and look for ‘similar locations in India'. This decision came after the derogatory remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi by ministers of the Maldives.
The official statement of the film industry workers' union reads, “In view of the growing row between India and Maldives over the derogatory statement issued by three ministers of Maldives, the FWICE which is the oldest and largest Federal body of the workers, technicians and artists working in the media and entertainment industry, strongly condemns the most irresponsible and ridiculous remarks of the ministers of Maldives passed on globally respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. In solidarity with the nation and its wide culture, the members of the FWICE have decided to boycott Maldives for their shooting locations. Instead, the FWICE appeals its members to choose similar locations in India for their shooting purpose and contribute towards developing the tourism in India.”
It further stated, ''All the producers in India and over the globe are hereby advised not to plan any shootings or production activities in Maldives. We all stand in strong support towards our Prime Minister and our Nation''.
For the unaware, the Maldives controversy started after PM Modi shared images of himself on the X platform, where he was seen snorkelling and walking along a beach in Lakshadweep.
Post which, three Maldives ministers commented on the pics calling Modi a “clown,” “terrorist” and a “puppet of Israel,” according to Reuters.
Several actors and cricketers including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Ranveer Singh, John Abraham, Shraddha Kapoor, Hardik Pandya and Sachin Tendulkar among others joined the chorus against Maldives. They took to social media to urge people to explore the beauty of the domestic beaches including Lakshadweep Islands.
