Kangana Ranuat had threatened to dissociate from Manikarnika

After a series of controversies related to Kangana Ranuat’s upcoming film Manikarnika, the filmmakers have found themselves embroiled in yet another issue. “Well it is  very sad if workers are not paid. I have always opposed such practices. Labourers and technicians are very devalued and no one gets as much bhaav (value) as actors, who get it without deserving it. I also want to be a technician. I want to venture into jobs of a director and writer the unsung heroes,” says Kangana.

She also reveals how strongly she feels about the issue by saying, “I want to encourage them, and when something like this happens with labourers and technicians it should not be tolerated at all.  In this case, I have been informed and assured that the dispute is over the amount that the vendor is demanding and that is not what he should be paid. They are negotiating with him. I told the producers that I am going to disassociate with this film and I will not go for any promo launch even if one labourer’s money is not paid. Then they asked me to calm down. Zee Studios has a great reputation and they have assured me there will be no complaints from their end.”

According to reports the workers along with the film union had stalled work on Manikarnika sets over non-payment of dues, which included the daily wages of the lighting team.

Producer Kamal Jain said, “We have filed a complaint with the Film & TV Producers Guild of India against Film and Allied Union. The shoot got over on October 13, and all legitimate and due payments were made. One disputed vendor, who has already been paid 70% of his dues, is illegitimately now using the union authority to arm twist us and disrupted our film shoot, which is completely illegal, untenable under the law and clearly is harassment to us. This vendor is being tackled professionally. The matter is being handled by our Producers Guild and we will abide by their process.” 

Kamal also reiterated the values of his production house by saying, “We are absolutely clear on not holding back anyone’s payment which is legitimate and due, as we immensely respect everyone's hard work that has gone into this film. We are thankful to each vendor/individual who has helped us in making this film.”

Kulmeet Makkar, Chief Executive Officer, Producers Guild of India said, “We have been formally informed by our member Kairos Kontent that Film and Allied Union and a specific vendor have been misusing their authority to stop film shooting. This is indeed unfortunate and an extremely unhealthy trade practice. This is a commercial matter between producer and a vendor hence should be amicably resolved. We will be looking into the complaint made by our member to take the next course of action.”