Tollywood Workers Strike: Chiranjeevi’s Help Sought as Wage Battle Heats Up

The Tollywood workers strike has entered a critical phase, with major producers personally meeting actor Chiranjeevi to seek his intervention. As shooting schedules continue to suffer, top names like C. Kalyan, Allu Aravind, Suresh Babu, Mythri Ravi Shankar, and Supriya Yarlagadda gathered at Chiranjeevi’s residence, hoping he could help resolve the growing dispute between producers and the Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Federation.

According to producer C. Kalyan, Chiranjeevi listened to their concerns and felt that stopping all film shoots immediately was not the right approach. He promised to also speak with the workers and observe the situation for the next two to three days. If the problem continues, he said he would personally step in to help solve the issue.

Cinematography Minister Backs Workers’ Wage Hike

At the same time, Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has come out in support of the workers. He said a wage increase is necessary for workers to survive in Hyderabad. After his return from Delhi, the minister has promised to meet workers personally. He also reminded producers that while they are being allowed to increase ticket prices for pan-India films, they must also respect the basic demands of workers.

Federation Holds Strong, Most Shootings Halted

Rajeshwar Reddy from the Employees Federation thanked the minister for understanding the situation. He said that only two or three shoots are currently active, as those producers have agreed to pay the 30% wage hike. The rest of the shootings have been completely stopped.

Talks between the Federation and the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) have failed so far. The Chamber had not met with the Federation for two days after the strike was declared.

TFCC Accuses Workers of Sudden Strike, Calls It Unfair

Mohan Vadlapatla, Joint Secretary of TFCC, criticized the Federation’s move, calling it unprofessional. He said unions usually give 1-2 months’ notice, but this strike was called overnight, harming producers who were mid-shoot.

He also accused the Federation of blackmail, saying wage negotiations normally take place every three years, not through sudden demands. Mohan defended the Chamber’s decision to allow direct hiring of skilled non-union workers. He explained that producers are now free to hire fresh talent for a fee of just Rs 1,000. This, he said, would reduce dependence on union workers demanding high pay and allow filmmakers more freedom to manage costs.

What’s Next for Tollywood?

With high-stakes films like Ustaad Bhagat Singh, The Raja Saab, and Akhanda 2 stalled, the strike is hurting Tollywood’s progress. Dil Raju, head of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, is mediating between the two parties. Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi’s possible involvement and ministerial support for workers have added new dimensions to this labor crisis.

Unless a deal is reached soon, the Tollywood strike could cause long-term damage to both workers and producers. All eyes are now on the next two to three days as the industry waits for a breakthrough.

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