On a chilly Sunday evening in Leh, Ladakh, the set of Ranveer Singh’s much-awaited film Dhurandhar turned into a scene of chaos. Over 120 crew members were rushed to the hospital after falling severely ill due to suspected food poisoning. This unfortunate incident not only disrupted the film’s shooting schedule but also raised serious questions about safety protocols during large-scale film productions in remote locations. As investigations unfold, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent food safety measures on film sets. This essay explores the details of the incident, the condition of the affected crew, and the broader implications for the film industry, alongside a brief introduction to Dhurandhar and its significance.

The Food Poisoning Incident: A Shocking Disruption

The incident occurred on August 17, 2025, during a busy shooting schedule in Leh’s Patthar Sahib area. Approximately 600 crew members had consumed meals arranged on the set when, shortly afterward, many began experiencing alarming symptoms. Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches, and acute gastroenteritis swept through the crew, creating panic. The rapid onset of symptoms prompted an immediate response, with 120 affected individuals rushed to Sajal Narbu Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh for emergency treatment. Hospital officials confirmed it as a case of mass food poisoning, with some patients also suffering from severe dehydration.

The SNM Hospital, despite being stretched thin on a Sunday evening, managed the crisis efficiently. Off-duty doctors were called in to handle the overwhelming patient influx, and the Leh police assisted in crowd control to prevent further chaos in the emergency ward. Food samples from the set were promptly collected and sent for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the contamination, with authorities suspecting issues with items like cheese or chicken. The investigation is ongoing, and accountability will be established once the test results are available.

Current Condition of the Crew

As of the latest updates, the majority of the affected crew members are stable and recovering. Out of the 120 admitted to SNM Hospital, most have been discharged after receiving treatment for their symptoms. However, five individuals remain under observation, indicating that while the situation is under control, some cases were more severe. No casualties have been reported, which is a relief for the production team and the families of those affected. The swift response from the hospital and district administration ensured that the crisis was managed effectively, with some patients transferred to nearby facilities like the Chuchot Primary Health Centre and the Ladakh Heart Foundation to alleviate overcrowding.

The incident has left the crew shaken, with some reports suggesting that children and family members of workers were also among those affected. This underscores the scale of the crisis and the diverse group of people impacted. The production team has assured that shooting will resume once the situation stabilizes, but the focus remains on ensuring the full recovery of all crew members.

Dhurandhar: A High-Stakes Spy Thriller

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, known for his critically acclaimed Uri: The Surgical Strike, is a high-octane spy action thriller that has generated significant buzz since its teaser was unveiled on Ranveer Singh’s birthday, July 6, 2025. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun. Set to release globally on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar promises a gripping narrative based on real events, exploring themes of trust, bravery, and covert operations. The teaser showcased Ranveer Singh in an intense, fierce avatar, raising expectations for a blockbuster. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film is poised to compete with other major releases, including Shahid Kapoor’s untitled project and Prabhas’ The Raja Saab.

Lessons for the Film Industry

This incident highlights the challenges of managing large-scale shoots in remote, high-altitude regions like Ladakh, where infrastructure constraints can complicate crisis management. The fact that nearly 600 people consumed meals on set, yet not all fell ill, suggests inconsistencies in food preparation or storage that need urgent attention. The film industry, known for its demanding schedules and large crews, must prioritize robust food safety protocols to prevent such incidents. Regular inspections, trained catering staff, and contingency plans for medical emergencies are non-negotiable, especially in isolated locations.

Moreover, this event sparks a broader conversation about worker safety in the film industry. Crew members, often working long hours in challenging environments, deserve better safeguards. The Dhurandhar incident serves as a wake-up call for production houses to invest in comprehensive safety measures, from food quality checks to on-set medical facilities. As the investigation continues, the findings will likely influence how future shoots are planned and executed, particularly in sensitive regions.

Moving Forward

The food poisoning incident on the Dhurandhar set was a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in large-scale film productions. While the swift medical response and the crew’s recovery offer some relief, the episode underscores the need for vigilance and accountability. As Dhurandhar prepares for its December 2025 release, the production team must address these safety lapses to restore confidence among its crew and fans. For now, the industry and audiences alike await updates on both the investigation and the film’s progress, hoping this setback becomes a catalyst for positive change in on-set safety practices.

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