The entertainment industry often hides strict, sometimes surprising rules that most fans and aspiring actors never hear about. But here's where it gets controversial: Hollywood productions enforce detailed policies on time management, meal penalties, and overtime pay—practices that starkly contrast with many expectations in the Indian film scene. And this is the part most people miss—the importance of disciplined set protocols that ensure efficiency and fairness. Recently, actress Hasleen Kaur, known for her role in Ruthless Bastards, opened up in an exclusive interview about her experiences working on an international film set and shared her insights on differences between Hollywood and Bollywood productions, especially regarding working hours and set discipline.
A Glimpse into Ruthless Bastards
In 2025, Hasleen Kaur's career took an exciting leap as her international film Ruthless Bastards was released digitally across global markets. The film, featuring renowned Hollywood actors Casper Van Dien and Sean Patrick Flanery—famous for their roles in Starship Troopers and other action hits—garnered mostly positive feedback. Hasleen, who portrays Ishanna Sidhu, recounts her experience working alongside industry veterans and the thrill of sharing a scene with Casper Van Dien. As a fan, she fondly remembers watching his movies on repeat during her childhood, which made the opportunity even more special.
The plot explores the darker side of organized crime in North America, spotlighting the Chinese, Russian, and Indian gangs. Hasleen is part of the Indian gang, and the film's director, Bruce Fontaine—known for his collaborations with Jackie Chan—has been praised for his work on many action-packed projects.
Unexpectedly, giants like Apple TV and Prime Video picked up Ruthless Bastards, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially for Hasleen’s character. Fans are already asking about the possibility of a sequel or spin-off, and the director has even floated ideas like Ruthless Vixens, a film that would focus entirely on fierce female assassins, with a tone akin to John Wick—combining compelling storytelling with adrenaline-fueled action.
When Will Ruthless Bastards Be Available in India?
The producers are exploring options for releasing the film on Indian streaming platforms. Currently, their strategy was to launch in the U.S. and parts of Europe first, gather feedback, and then consider broader markets including India and China. The hope is that success abroad will motivate local distributors to pick up the film for Indian audiences.
Hollywood’s Strict Discipline Versus Indian Set Culture
Working on an international production showed Hasleen stark differences from Bollywood. The most prominent was punctuality—everything runs on a strict schedule. She recalls a day when her delay caused a ripple effect, as her producer, Alex Bogomolov, pointed out that being late disrupts the entire day's plan. Hollywood productions operate with meticulous time allocation—each task, from costume adjustments to makeup, is carefully scheduled in six-minute blocks. For example, hair, makeup, and costume fittings are each allotted precise slots to keep filming on track.
Another notable aspect is the enforcement of working hours. If an actor's shift is scheduled for eight hours, it generally lasts precisely that long. However, if the shoot extends beyond that, actors are compensated at 1.5 times their regular pay rate for each extra hour—a clear commitment to fairness. Moreover, union regulations enforce penalties if lunch times are missed due to on-set duties, ensuring that everyone’s rights are protected.
Hasleen explains that Casper Van Dien, having rehearsed his scenes in advance, was ready on set before her. This level of preparation and punctuality is standard, setting a high bar for professionalism.
Should India Embrace Such Discipline?
The actress strongly advocates for adopting similar norms in Bollywood and the Indian film industry. She believes that respecting work hours, reducing time wastage, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are essential for sustainable filmmaking. Currently, technicians and crew often work up to 12 hours or more, which results in inflated costs and fatigue. If stricter adherence to scheduled hours and accountability is enforced—especially with penalties for overruns—producers might find it more financially viable to stick to tighter schedules, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
About Hasleen’s Entrepreneurial Venture
Besides acting, Hasleen Kaur runs a marketing agency called Creative Cultr, launched in November 2017. She entered digital marketing and advertising in 2012, shortly after winning Miss India. Creative Cultr handles advertising campaigns, brand identity creation, website development, social media management, and influencer outreach, working with major brands like CNN IBN, Network18, and Impresario Entertainment, which owns popular venues like Social across India.
Her academic background in advertising and public relations fuels her passion for this side venture. Contrary to some misconceptions, she clarifies that her motivation was not to create a fallback income but to pursue a field she's genuinely passionate about. Acting provided her the flexibility to manage both careers simultaneously, proving that with proper time management, one can successfully run multiple businesses without compromising on either front.
Final Thoughts
The contrast between Hollywood’s structured professionalism and India’s more relaxed approach raises important questions about industry standards. Could adopting stricter schedules and accountability improve working conditions and efficiency in Bollywood? Or would it stifle creativity and spontaneity? What’s your stance? Should Indian filmmakers work towards more discipline on set, or is there value in maintaining the current flexible culture? Share your thoughts below!
