Amid growing conversations around fair working conditions in the film industry, actor Darshana Rajendran has shared her perspective on the much-discussed eight-hour workday — a debate recently brought into the spotlight after reports claimed that Deepika Padukone allegedly walked out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ over long working hours.

Reacting to the issue, Darshana spoke candidly about how the Malayalam film industry, in particular, grapples with significantly longer working hours and lower budgets compared to its counterparts.

Talking exclusively to Mathrubhumi English, Darshana said, “We all need to start moving towards a work environment that is healthy. I don’t know how to draw those hours and all of that, but in the Malayalam industry, we work for very long hours. Unfortunately, we work for lesser money, which means that some people are working overtime forever.”

The ‘Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey’ actor also pointed out that, despite the challenges, actors often have it the easiest on set compared to the rest of the crew. “Actors are the most protected of them all — we’re having it easiest on the set. There are so many people in the crew. We (Malayalam cinema) don’t have that kind of money to have work hours like other (film) industries or workplaces do,” she added.

Furthermore, she emphasized the urgent need for healthier work environments — not just for actors but for the entire crew — stressing that rest, nourishment, and personal time should be basic expectations, not luxuries.

“But I think that’s what we are looking to do; that’s where we all should be heading — towards a space where it’s healthy. We’re all eating well, sleeping well, and getting the time to do other things, and I think it’s important. That should be the environment we all should be heading towards, largely for everyone — whether it is for an actor or someone in the light unit. I feel like it’s not an industry that’s that structured now, but it’s a good thing that we’re talking about it and aiming towards it,” said the 37-year-old.

Meanwhile, Darshana will be next seen in ‘Paradha’, which marks her Telugu debut, co-starring Anupama Parameswaran and Sangeetha, in the lead roles. Directed by Praveen Kandregula, 'Paradha' is a bilingual film that will be released in Telugu and Malayalam languages. Apart from 'Paradha', Darshana also has Mohanlal and Mammootty-led 'Patriot' in her kitty. Her 2023 film 'Paradise', co-starring Roshan Mathew, is will be available for streaming on OTT platform, MUBI, from Thursday.