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New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Telangana government to set up panel to end film workers' strike
HYDERABAD: Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Monday announced that the state government will constitute a committee to resolve the ongoing strike by Telugu film industry workers. The committee will hold discussions with all stakeholders to work out an amicable settlement, he said, expressing hope that film shootings would resume from Wednesday. The Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation (TFIEF) has been on strike for the past eight days, demanding a 30% wage hike. Against this backdrop, TFIEF representatives met minister Venkat Reddy at the Secretariat. During the meeting, the minister urged both producers and cine workers to show flexibility and end the strike. 'The government stands with the workers, but they must also consider the concerns of small producers. Only discussions can lead to a solution. A strike is not the right path to resolve issues,' he said. Reiterating the government's vision to make Hyderabad a global film hub, Venkat Reddy stressed the importance of safeguarding the city's reputation as a prime destination for the cinema and entertainment industry. He noted that Telangana's scenic locations have the potential to attract filmmakers, boost tourism, create jobs, and generate revenue for local communities. The minister also said that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is committed to providing housing for economically weaker cine workers and improving amenities to enhance their quality of life. Telangana State Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju emphasised the need for unity within the industry and urged collective support for the government's vision. Special Chief Secretary (Home) Ravi Gupta and representatives of various film associations also attended the meeting.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Telugu film shoots hit pause over 30% wage hike stalemate
The stalemate between Telugu film producers and the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation (TFIEF) continued into its second week, with film shoots coming to a halt. The tussle began with the TFIEF demanding a 30% increase in wages. The TFIEF and unions of the different crafts, ranging from stunt to makeup and other departments, justified their demand for a wage hike, citing the rising production costs of films that vie for nationwide box office and leading actors and directors drawing a fee of several crores. Meanwhile, producers have stated that apart from a handful of all-India hits, several films have failed at the box office. They also point out how unions charge a hefty membership fee and cite rules that compel producers to hire more crew members than necessary, thereby escalating production costs. With the ongoing strike, the industry is staring at the possibility of inevitable delays of films currently under production. On Monday afternoon, a few producers of small and medium budget films presented their arguments at a media interaction at Prasad Labs Preview Theatre, Hyderabad. The meet witnessed the participation of producers Sreenivas Kumar Naidu aka SKN, Dheeraj Mogilineni, Rajesh Danda, Chaitanya, Shivalanka Krishna Prasad, Bekkem Venugopal, Sharath and Anurag, Madhura Sreedhar, Maheshwar Reddy, Vamsi Nandipati, Harshith Reddy and Rakesh Varre. 'Approximately 250 Telugu films release each year, of which less than 50 have a budget exceeding ₹100 crore. Most producers work with smaller budgets,' said SKN, who produced the blockbuster film Baby. 'Producers are not cash bags,' he added. These arguments came in the context of allegations that unions have been forcing producers to hire several crew members than required for a film shoot. Madhura Sreedhar explained, 'For example, if we have to film a conversation between two actors in a room, we require a few lights, cameras and a small crew. Due to the rules laid out by the unions, members of each craft bring in several assistants. For a small scene, we end up hiring 80 crew members.' His statements were echoed by other producers. Rakesh Varre, who produced the small-budget, sleeper hit Pekamedalu, pointed out how he produced his debut film Evvariki Cheppoddu within ₹1.5 crore. He kept his production low key and did not hire union members. For his second film Pekamedalu, he had to rope in several crew members with union cards. 'The film's budget went up to ₹2.5 crore,' he said, and added that the myth of producers and actors making tidy sums does not hold good for smaller teams. 'There is no guarantee that we will get profits through theatrical release or digital rights. OTT platforms do not pick up films unless there are well known actors.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tollywood producers meet AP cinematography minister, seek incentives
Vijayawada: Several leading Tollywood producers met Andhra Pradesh cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh on Monday to discuss the ongoing problems in the Telugu film industry. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The meeting adds significance as it was cancelled twice earlier. The producers submitted a representation on various issues faced by the film industry and sought incentives. Also on Monday, producers Dil Raju (chairman of Telangana Film Development Corporation), Gemini Kiran, Prasanna Kumar, Damodhar Prasad, Supriya Yarlagadda, and Bhogavalli Bapineedu among others met Telangana cinematography minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy in Hyderabad to discuss similar issues. particularly the ongoing strike by Telugu Film Industry Employees' Federation (TFIEF). Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the minister said the producers came to share updates on the current developments in Tollywood. "There was no special agenda. We will listen to both film workers and producers in the context of the ongoing agitation. The federation and the film chamber should resolve issues through dialogue. If needed, we will take up the matter with chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. The govt's intervention will be considered at that level. We are committed to the growth of film industry in AP and will support the creation of infrastructure such as studios and dubbing theatres," Durgesh said. The producers, after their interaction with the minister, said they put forward several suggestions for the development of film industry in the state. They requested incentives for distributors and exhibitors, recognition of film industry as a special category, and support for theatre owners facing losses. They also called for a dedicated policy for industry growth. The minister assured them of facilitating a meeting with the CM and deputy CM soon. Among those present at the meeting were BVSN Prasad, Ravishankar Yelamanchili, TG Vishwaprasad, Naga Vamsi, DVV Danayya, and Bunny Vasu.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Film Producers Go To Andhra Pradesh And Telangana Government After 8 Days Of Shooting Strike
Producers from the Telugu film industry have met with cinematography ministers in both Andhra Pradesh and in Telangana, apparently in an effort to resolve a crisis sparked by an ongoing strike by film employees. The strike, now in its eighth day, has brought all film shoots to a halt, causing significant financial losses and delays to numerous projects. The Telugu Film Industry Employees' Federation (TFIEF) initiated the strike, demanding a 30% wage hike, split as a 10% increase per year over three years. The union argues that wages have remained stagnant for three years despite a rising cost of living. In response, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce offered a conditional wage increase of 15-20% for lower-paid workers, with stipulations such as 12-hour workdays and more flexible hiring practices. However, the TFIEF rejected this offer, deepening the stalemate. In Andhra Pradesh, a delegation of producers including BVSN Prasad, DVV Danayya, and KL Narayana met with Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh in Vijayawada. The producers said they had not come to discuss the federation employees strike but other issues related to the film industry's development in the state. Kandula Durgesh said the government may not have a role in the strike that will have to be mutually resolved by the film producers and the federation. "I will pass on their message to the chief minister and deputy chief minister," he said. According to reports, the producers did not directly discuss the workers' strike with the minister, stating that the Film Chamber and Federation would handle the matter. The delegation also requested an appointment with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to discuss the industry's growth in Andhra Pradesh. The Strike Has Intensified In Hyderabad, a separate group of producers, including Telangana FDC Chairman Dil Raju, Gemini Kiran, and Home Secretary Ravi Gupta, met with Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy in Hyderabad. The discussion reportedly centered on the ongoing problems within the industry, particularly the employee strike. The Telangana minister has previously shown support for the workers' demand, saying there is a need to increase wages. The strike has intensified the conflict between producers and the employees' federation. Producers argue that a 30% hike is unsustainable, especially for small-budget films, and comes at a time when the industry is already under financial strain from factors like declining theatre audiences and reduced OTT rights. The Film Chamber has also accused the Federation of demanding excessively high membership fees, which they claim act as a barrier for new talent trying to enter the industry. In response to the strike, the Chamber has instructed its members not to engage in separate negotiations with individual unions and has called for non-union professionals to work with them at mutually agreeable wages.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tollywood strike intensifies: Producers, Unions clash amid legal notices & negotiations
Tollywood is facing unrest as the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation's strike halts film shoots, leading to legal notices from producer TG Vishwa Prasad citing financial losses. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has directed members to cease negotiations with striking unions. Federation leaders are scheduled to meet with Telangana's Cinematography Minister to address the ongoing dispute. The ongoing strike by the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation has stirred significant unrest within Tollywood, drawing sharp reactions from producers and union leaders. Amid halted film shoots and rising tensions, a recent legal notices filed by producer TG Vishwa Prasad have escalated the situation. What happened? The situation escalated further on Friday when producer TG Vishwaprasad issued legal notices to TFIEF President Anilkumar Vallabhaneni and General Secretary Ammiraju Kanumilli. The notice, filed in the Nampally City Court, cited financial losses incurred due to the ongoing workers' strike, which led to the halting of film shoots. General Secretary Ammiraju Kanumilli responded to TG Vishwaprasad's complaint and addressed the ongoing strike. TG Vishwa Prasad confronts TFIEF * Abnormally high membership fees act as a barrier, limiting the influx of fresh talent and hindering skill development. The widening gap results from groups that obstruct both skill advancement & new entrants. * The employees' strike caused me severe financial losses due to halted shooting schedules. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo * Hyderabad is home to exceptional talent. Currently, about 60-70% of the workforce involved in Telugu cinema comes from this pool. -TG Vishwa Prasad, producer * We collect membership fees because the funds are used for essential purposes like health insurance and supporting the families of members in the event of death. These contributions are made with good intentions and serve important needs. * Our intention was never to cause problems for filmmakers or producers. The film industry survives because of the investment and support of producers — they are the ones who help us earn our livelihood. Our only demand for the workers has been a fair wage. That's all. * Skill exists in both Telugu states, and while some people do bring in talent from outside, which is also acceptable. Ammiraju Kanumilli, General Secretary TFIEF TFCC issues strike directive On Friday, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce released a statement advising, 'All members are hereby instructed to refrain from engaging in any discussions or negotiations with individual unions under the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation that have initiated a unilateral strike, until further notice. Studios, outdoor units, and infrastructure service providers are strictly directed not to offer any services without prior notification and explicit approval from the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce. ' What's Next? Federation leaders are expected to meet Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Friday to discuss the ongoing issues. Meanwhile, the strike will enter its seventh day on Sunday and will continue until further notice.
