Hyderabad: The Telugu Film Industry, known as Tollywood, is currently at a halt. The Telugu Film Employees Federation has called for an indefinite strike, stopping all film and web series productions in the Telugu states. They are demanding a 30% wage increase for over 10,000 workers across 24 departments, such as lighting, makeup, and costumes.
The workers currently earn a daily wage of Rs 1,400, which hasn’t changed for three years. Rajeswar Reddy, a former Federation General Secretary, expressed frustration, noting that meetings with producers have led nowhere. He emphasized that the workers, essential to film sets, deserve higher pay. Until their demands are met in writing, they won’t return to work.
Many high-budget films are now on hold. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) condemned the strike, arguing that wages already surpass legal requirements. TFCC Secretary K.L. Damodar Prasad highlighted the financial losses due to this disruption and advised producers against making separate agreements with unions.
The TFCC recently allowed producers to hire any skilled worker, regardless of union membership, which has intensified the conflict.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, senior producers like C. Kalyan, Allu Aravind, Suresh Babu, Mythri Ravi Shankar, and Supriya Yarlagadda met with actor Chiranjeevi to seek his help. C. Kalyan mentioned that Chiranjeevi advised against sudden work stoppages and showed interest in hearing the workers’ concerns. He promised to get involved personally if the issue isn’t resolved in two to three days.
Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy acknowledged the workers’ issues, especially with the rising costs in Hyderabad. He stated that salary increases are necessary and has appointed Dil Raju as a mediator. After his Delhi visit, he plans to meet with the workers to assist in finding a fair solution.
As Tollywood grapples with this unexpected pause, all attention is on industry leaders and government mediators to resolve the impasse. The next few days are crucial to determine if the industry will resume or face a prolonged stop.
