Shobana expresses discomfort with caravans, advocates for simpler set life

Actor Shobana recently voiced her opinion on the increasing use of caravans on film sets, stating that they are unnecessary and that this tradition did not exist in the past. She believes that when a caravan is involved, it creates a disconnect between the actor and the set, diminishing the overall experience of being on location. Shobana shared that, especially when the weather is favourable, she prefers to avoid using a caravan altogether.

In an interview with Behindwoods media on YouTube, Shobana elaborated on her thoughts about caravans on film sets and the changing dynamics of working on location.

"Even now, when I see a caravan, I wonder what it’s for," Shobana remarked. "Even if I say I don’t need one, I’m told I should get in. There was no caravan in the past, so costumes were changed very quickly. I didn’t even know what a caravan was back then." She continued to describe how, during her early days in the industry, the focus was primarily on the set and the environment rather than comfort.

"When we arrived at the set, the first thing we checked was if there was a place to change clothes. In some cases, they would arrange for a house for costume changes. At that point, I would question, 'Do I really need to go all the way there in a vehicle?' Instead, I would change clothes at the location itself and often take a nap to save time. This is how all the actresses from my generation worked, and we adjusted well. Caravans are truly unnecessary," she added.

Shobana also discussed the financial aspect of using a caravan, highlighting how costly they can be. "For one day, a caravan can cost up to two lakh rupees. By the time I get in and out, my knees start hurting," she explained. "It's not about losing contact with friends because of the caravan. It feels like the whole connection to the script slips away. For example, when shooting in a traditional house, staying on the set allows us to connect with the space, watch fellow actors, and absorb the script. But once the caravan arrives, all of that gets cut off."

She also pointed out the distractions that come with being in a caravan. "Inside the caravan, we often shift our focus to other things, like checking social media or engaging in other activities. So, if the weather is good, I’d prefer not to use a caravan. I’d rather stay in a room on the set," she concluded.