The ongoing wage dispute in Tollywood escalated today as prominent producers met Chiranjeevi seeking his intervention. Producers C Kalyan, Allu Aravind, Suresh Babu, Mythri Ravi Shankar, and Supriya Yarlagadda convened at Chiranjeevi’s residence to discuss the deadlock between the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) and the Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Federation.
Producer Kalyan said, “We met Chiranjeevi gaaru and explained the issue. He felt that abruptly halting shootings was inappropriate. He patiently listened to our concerns and assured us that he would also hear the workers’ version of the issue. He told us, ‘I’ll observe for two to three days, and if the situation doesn’t improve, I will intervene.’”
Meanwhile, the Producers Guild has opened applications for non-union skilled workers, allowing aspiring professionals to apply online. Mohan Vadlapatla, Joint Secretary of TFCC, said, “We are offering membership to freshers for just Rs 1,000 so they can start working immediately. This will help reduce dependency on inflated union wages.”
The Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has also weighed in and supported workers. He stated, “There is a need to increase wages. To survive in Hyderabad, workers must be paid more. After returning from my Delhi tour, I will meet with the workers personally.”
The strike, called on August 4 after producers rejected the Federation’s 30% wage hike demand, has stalled major productions including Ustaad Bhagat Singh, The Raja Saab, and Akhanda 2. Dil Raju, President of Telangana Film Development Corporation (TGFDC), has been tasked with facilitating talks between the two sides. Until then, with shootings halted and hiring reforms announced, the standoff continues to impact Tollywood’s schedule.