The Telugu film industry is reeling under a big crisis as thousands of workers under the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation have launched an indefinite strike, bringing production to a near standstill.
The agitation began on August 4 in support of a set of demands including a 30 per cent wage increase and same-day payments for workers across 24 categories, including lighting technicians, set assistants, camera operators, and make-up artists. The strike has disrupted major film shoots, with big-budget projects too facing significant delays.
The Federation, representing the backbone of Tollywood’s workforce, argues that wages have remained stagnant for years despite skyrocketing production budgets and record-breaking box-office collections. The salaries have not kept pace with the industry’s growth. “With ticket price hikes and OTT platforms raking in crores, a 30 percent raise is only fair,” the federation argues.
The strike has thrown shooting schedules into disarray, with daily losses mounting for producers. While post-production activities like editing and dubbing continue in some cases, on-ground shoots involving unionized workers have largely halted.
High-profile films, including those slated for festival releases and featuring top stars, are among the worst affected.
Hiring non-union workers
The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC), representing producers, has called the demanded 30 percent wage hike “unviable,” particularly for small and mid-budget filmmakers. In a contentious move, the TFCC passed a resolution allowing producers to hire non-union workers if the strike persists.
This has further raised the temperatures.
Prominent producers like Dil Raju and D Suresh Babu are reportedly engaged in backchannel negotiations to resolve the deadlock. However, no formal agreement has been reached.
Cinematography Minister K Venkata Reddy, speaking to the media, acknowledged the severity of the crisis. “Efforts are underway to resolve the deadlock,” he said.
“I have asked Dil Raju, who heads the State Film Development Corporation, to initiate dialogue among stakeholders. We are hopeful of a resolution soon.” The minister’s remarks have raised cautious optimism, but workers remain sceptical, citing past promises that went unfulfilled.
This is not the first time Tollywood has faced labour unrest. In 2022, a government-appointed panel recommended systemic reforms, including mandatory worker registration, digital wage transfers, proper restrooms, changing facilities, and compliance with national labour laws. But most of them remain on paper even today.
The ongoing strike has placed Tollywood, as the Telugu film industry is known, at a critical juncture. With production stalled, financial losses piling up, and festival release deadlines looming, the pressure is on to find a resolution. Workers, however, remain resolute. As negotiations continue, all eyes are on Dil Raju and other stakeholders to broker a deal.
For now, the Telugu film industry remains in limbo, caught between the workers’ fight for justice and the producers’ struggle to keep the show running.
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