Ahead of December 28 Polls, Mana Panel Addresses Industry Concerns

Addressing the media, Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao said the Film Chamber comprises four major wings and stressed that cooperation among all sections is crucial for the industry’s healthy growth. He alleged that over the past decade, the functioning of the Guild had pushed the industry into disorder, accusing its leadership of acting arbitrarily and prioritising personal interests. He claimed workers were often left waiting for nearly 20 days without responses and that shooting schedules were stalled by Guild members themselves.
He further alleged that while Guild leaders focused on public appearances and photo opportunities with Chief Ministers under the Chamber’s banner, they failed to genuinely address industry issues. Referring to a recent workers’ dispute, he said it was resolved within 24 hours by Revanth Reddy, despite being the Chamber’s responsibility. He also highlighted the challenges faced by small producers due to systems like Qube and UFO, which he said were ignored by the Guild. Assuring accessibility, he said Mana Panel members would remain available to industry members at any hour if elected.
C. Kalyan criticised the so-called Progressive Panel, saying their claims of self-respect and legacy served personal agendas rather than the industry. He said small producers who had supported and elected them two years ago saw no tangible outcomes after they assumed office. He alleged that false narratives were being spread and claimed there was little real support for small films.
He also questioned statements made about the Chamber building, clarifying that it does not belong to any individual or exclusively to the film industry. Expressing concern over the alleged misuse of Film Nagar Cooperative Society properties, he pointed out that the livelihood of cinema workers and artists from Krishna Nagar depends heavily on small films. He opposed misleading claims around OTT platforms, ticket pricing, and piracy, urging members to support Mana Panel, which he said represented all sections of the industry.
Ravichand Yalamanchili remarked that welfare initiatives under the Chamber Council were far stronger in earlier years. He accused Guild members of promising reforms before elections but failing to deliver once in power, alleging that senior producers acted largely in their own interests. He appealed to small producers to back Mana Panel to help put the industry back on track.
Natti Kumar stated that there was no meaningful support from the Guild and alleged that elected members often failed to attend meetings. He claimed Guild funds were misused by a few individuals for personal benefit. Referring to his group’s efforts, he said they had worked towards securing medical insurance for nearly 1,600 members and criticised what he described as false promises made during elections. He stressed the need to respect senior members and ensure medical assistance reaches those genuinely in need, assuring that Mana Panel would prioritise insurance coverage and work towards securing a fifth show for small films.
Thummala Prasanna Kumar recalled that during the COVID period, Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao had extended financial support to many industry members. He alleged that while small producers funded their nominations personally, Guild members used Guild funds.

He criticised the practice of approaching the Labour Commissioner and accused Guild leaders of manipulating ticket pricing policies despite the Chief Minister’s stated position. He urged the government to utilise available land near Padmalaya Studios for the industry’s benefit and reiterated that Mana Panel would sincerely work for small producers and workers if given the opportunity.
The speakers collectively appealed to Film Chamber members to support Mana Panel in the upcoming elections, calling for transparency, unity, and a renewed focus on welfare within the Telugu film industry.