Latest news with #TeluguFilmIndustryEmployeesFederation
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
#TollywoodDeadlockContinues: Chiranjeevi steps in to mediate truce talks between TFIEF & TFCC
Two weeks of silence on sets, stalled shoots, and rising uncertainty — Tollywood's labour strike has left the industry in a deadlock, and all eyes are now on Megastar Chiranjeevi. In an effort to mediate, the actor met with a group of producers on Sunday, including C Kalyan , Natty Kumar and Achanta Gopinath, who briefed him on their position. Sources close to the Chamber said he is expected to hear the Federation's representatives next, before convening a joint meeting with both sides. Background: The Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation announced its strike on August 4, demanding a 30% wage hike across 24 crafts. Producers have argued that wages already exceed statutory norms and that a steep hike would cripple smaller productions. While the Federation has instructed members not to report to work unless producers submit written acceptance of the revised pay, the Film Chamber has stressed the need for collective negotiations rather than unilateral action. 'Chiranjeevi garu hopes for unity between workers and producers. I am already in contact with representatives from the workers' federation and am confident this issue will be resolved soon. Coming from a worker's background myself, I truly understand their concerns. According to the Labour Commission's guidelines, the rates we offer are already `100 higher than the prescribed amount. I firmly believe this matter will be resolved shortly. ' – C Kalyan, producer "Get the latest updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
New Indian Express
12-08-2025
- 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
11-08-2025
- 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
10-08-2025
- 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.
