Chiranjeevi Denies Claims About Supporting Workers Amid Tollywood Strike
The Telugu film industry shuts down as a strike by film workers over wages enters its eighth day. Chiranjeevi denies meeting workers, saying only the Film Chamber can resolve it,
The Telugu film industry is facing a complete production shutdown as the strike by film workers enters its eighth day, bringing all shooting schedules to a standstill. At the centre of the industry-wide pause is a dispute over wage revisions between the Telugu Film Employees Federation and producers. Now, megastar Chiranjeevi has stepped into the conversation to firmly refute claims that he met with workers and offered assurances on their demands. In a strongly worded statement on social media, the actor dismissed such reports as 'baseless" and 'unacceptable," stressing that no individual can make unilateral promises on an industry matter of this scale.
Addressing the matter on X (formerly known as Twitter), Chiranjeevi wrote, 'It has come to my attention that some individuals claiming to be the members of the Film Federation have gone to media falsely claiming that I have met them and given an assurance that their demands regarding 30% wage hike etc., shall be met and that I will be starting shooting very soon."
He added, 'I wish to set the record straight that I have not met anyone from the federation. This is an industry issue and no individual including me can give any unilateral assurances to solve any problem one way or the other."
Highlighting the role of the industry's governing body, he stated, 'The film chamber is the apex body of the Telugu Film Industry and only the Film chamber as a collective will engage in discussions with all concerned and arrive at a just solution. Until such time, making such false claims is unacceptable. I condemn all such baseless and motivated claims to create confusion among all stakeholders. Please note."
It has come to my attention that some individuals claiming to be the members of the Film Federation have gone to media falsely claiming that I have met them and given an assurance that their demands regarding 30% wage hike etc., shall be met and that I will be starting shooting…— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) August 9, 2025
Background to the strike
The Telugu Film Employees Federation announced an indefinite strike after prolonged talks with producers failed to resolve disputes over wage revisions. Representing 24 categories of workers, the federation is demanding a 30 per cent hike in daily wages, pointing to stagnant pay scales over the last three years and rising living costs in Hyderabad.
More than 10,000 daily wage workers are affected, with the federation also calling for daily wage payments instead of delayed settlements. A former general secretary noted that wages have not changed despite the increasing cost of living.
The federation has warned it will organise a protest march from its office to the Film Chamber on August 10 if negotiations fail to move forward. It has made it clear that film shoots will only resume if producers give written assurance agreeing to the revised pay structure.
Talks between the Telugu Film Producers Council, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, and the federation have been ongoing for several months. Producers had earlier proposed a 5 per cent increase, which the federation rejected as inadequate.
While opposing the strike, producer C Kalyan acknowledged its seriousness, calling it a 'pressure tactic." He warned, 'A month-long production halt could hurt the very daily wage workers they're trying to support," and urged both sides to return to the table and find a compromise.
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 minutes ago
- First Post
Did 'Pushpa 2' star Allu Arjun hesitate to remove his mask at the airport security for checking? Netizens say 'Being famous doesn't mean...'
A fan wrote- 'don't worry. They can go without any security. He is a superstar. The security should be able to recognise his face with face mask.' read more A video is going viral on social media from the Mumbai airport where superstar Allu Arjun is asked by the security guard to remove his mask at the security gate. The actor is reluctant but removes it ultimately. The video has gone viral and netizens have mixed reactions: Please follow the rules 🙏 Yesterday at Airport security , Allu Arjun was stopped by an officer and asked to show his face with Id. Allu was initially reluctant, and after a brief exchange of words, his assistant tried to convince the officer that he was Allu Arjun. Even then,… — Telugu360 (@Telugu360) August 10, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A fan wrote- 'don't worry. They can go without any security. He is a superstar. The security should be able to recognise his face with face mask.' A third said, 'he didn't remove his mask because you guys were recording him. maybe if you had put your camera down, he would have removed it when the officer first asked. enough with this pointless narratives.' And another commented- 'Airport screening rules are for everyone.. not just common passengers. Security is the same for celebrities, VIPs, and the public. If someone refuses to properly reveal their face during security checks, it's not just about privacy ,it could pose a threat to national safety. Being famous doesn't mean bypassing rules. In fact, setting the right example is part of their responsibility.' In a moment that marks both cinematic excellence and personal triumph, National Award-winning actor Allu Arjun was awarded the Best Actor title for his powerhouse performance in Pushpa 2: The Rule at the inaugural Telangana Gaddar Film Awards, organized by the Telangana State Government. The award was presented by Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy, in a grand ceremony held in Hyderabad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What makes this recognition all the more powerful is the context of a consistent ruling story. Today, the government stands in applause, honouring him for his contribution to Telugu cinema.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Be silent when I'm talking': Why Jr NTR is being called ‘arrogant' after fan interaction during War 2 screening
At the much-awaited War 2 promotional event, an unexpected incident grabbed headlines when JR NTR was filmed lashing out at a fan. Reports indicate that the actor's reaction was sparked by the fan shouting unrelated slogans referencing Nandamuri Balakrishna (Balayya), disrupting the proceedings. The viral clip has split public opinion, while some critics branded JR NTR 'arrogant,' others defended his response, noting that repeated interruptions can frustrate even the most seasoned performers. The moment has since become one of the most discussed takeaways from the event, overshadowing the film's promotional efforts. Why JR NTR is being called 'arrogant' after fan incident at War 2 screening A viral video circulating on social media shows NTR lashing out at a person shouting Balayya slogans during an event. He is seen asking them to be quiet, a move that some critics have labeled as arrogant and disrespectful toward his fanbase. The incident has reignited conversations about fan rivalries in Telugu cinema, emerging just as buzz for his upcoming film grows. In the video Tarak was heard saying, "Brother, shall I go? Shall we leave? What did I say? Be silent while I'm talking. It'll take just a second. I'll hand over the mic and leave. Should I talk now? Hold on for a bit." While sharing the video, the X user wrote, 'While some N fans are shouting Balayya slogans, Your disrespect towards your cadre fans is shameful. Change your arrogance, @tarak9999. Without them, you're nothing.' Watch the video here: While some N fans are shouting Balayya slogans,⁰Your disrespect towards your cadre fans is your arrogance, @tarak9999 ⁰Without them, you're nothing#War2 Here's the English translation of the video clip (appears to be Jr. NTR addressing disruptive fans):"Brother, shall I go? Shall we leave? What did I say? Be silent while I'm talking. It'll take just a second. I'll hand over the mic and leave. Should I talk now? Hold on for a… Who all star in War 2? War 2, the next chapter in Yash Raj Films' (YRF) Spy Universe, is a direct sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War. Helmed by Ayan Mukerji, the film features Hrithik Roshan returning as RAW agent Major Kabir Dhaliwal, with Jr. NTR making his Bollywood debut and Kiara Advani in a key role. What to expect from War 2? War 2, the latest addition to YRF's Spy Universe, brings RAW agent Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan) face-to-face with a dangerous new adversary — a former ally gone rogue, portrayed by Jr. NTR in his Bollywood debut, alongside Kiara Advani in a pivotal role. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, this globe-spanning action thriller blends espionage, betrayal, and six spectacular action set pieces. Anchored by a unifying 'spy oath' that threads through the larger Spy Universe, the film promises adrenaline-fueled sequences, emotional stakes, and a grand cinematic experience. When is War 2 releasing? War 2 is set to hit theatres on 14 August 2025, releasing in standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, and other premium formats. The launch coincides with the Indian Independence Day weekend and will also feature dubbed versions in Telugu and Tamil.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Naga Vamsi To Fans: ‘Telugu War 2 Must Beat Hindi Version At Box Office'
At the pre-release event for War 2 in Hyderabad, producer Naga Vamsi stirred controversy by urging Telugu fans to outperform the Hindi version of War 2 at the box office. With Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR's action thriller, War 2, just a few days away from its much-anticipated release, the anticipation surrounding the film is reaching fever pitch. To keep the buzz high, the makers recently hosted a pre-release event for the film's Telugu version in Hyderabad. Held amid much fanfare and in the presence of thousands of NTR fans, the event celebrated the upcoming pan-India spy thriller starring Bollywood's superstar and Tollywood's much-loved actor. But it was Naga Vamsi's fiery comments that stole the show at the event. The producer issued a bold challenge to Telugu fans and urged them to ensure the Telugu version's box office collections surpass the Hindi version. 'Looking at this electrifying ambience, it feels like we are not sending NTR to Bollywood, but welcoming Hrithik to Tollywood in a grand manner," Vamsi said. Naga Vamsi praises Ayan Mukerji Declaring War 2 as a 'proper Telugu film,' Vamsi praised director Ayan Mukerji for portraying NTR in a way 'better than Tollywood directors to date.' 'When you walk out of the theatres, you will feel proud of how director Ayan Mukerji has portrayed our brother NTR, in a much better way than Tollywood directors to date," he said. He went on to issue a rousing challenge to fans, saying, 'We must show ten times the love we showed for Devara. The Telugu version must collect at least 1 rupee more than the Hindi version's nett collection. This is your responsibility." #NagaVamsi:'సినిమా మాత్రం చాలా బాగుంది. సినిమా చూసాక ఎవరు Disappoint అవ్వరు. అలా జరిగితే ఇంకో సారి Mic పట్టుకుని సినిమా చూడమని అడగను." #War2 — Gulte (@GulteOfficial) August 10, 2025 Why Naga Vamsi Wants Telugu Box Office Domination The producer emphasised that the success of War 2 is not just about numbers, but it's an opportunity to showcase NTR's star power nationwide. Vowing to stop recommending films if audiences feel let down, he said, 'Just as you have expected, we are grandly landing War 2. We are now leaving the film to you on August 14. NTR has made us proud many times. We must make him proud with War 2. I assure you, no fan will be disappointed. I will never ask you to watch any movie in the future if you feel otherwise." Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR's War 2 Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, War 2 is one of the most anticipated action thrillers of the year. The film, bringing together two massive stars from different industries, will see an enormous competition between the Hindi and Telugu versions after Vamsi's challenge. Also starring Kiara Advani in a bold, never-seen-before role, Yash Raj Films' Spy Universe sees Hrithik Roshan return as the super-spy Kabir, while Jr NTR joins as the enigmatic Vikram. The film is set against a backdrop of intense personal conflict and high-stakes espionage. With just days to release, all eyes are on whether Jr NTR's fanbase will rise to the challenge and make War 2 a Telugu triumph. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
