Telugu Film Strike: Producers, Employees To Meet

According to sources, while some top producers remain reluctant to approve a wage hike, council members are working to convince them to agree as it would be mutually beneficial for both sides.

A source also noted that the strike has begun to take a political turn, with the BJP and the BRS offering support to film workers. The CPI has extended its backing and joined protest rallies, while the CPM is expected to follow suit. With the federation boasting a membership of over 25,000, the movement risks becoming a rallying point for Opposition parties.

“This is a dispute between producers and employees. It should be handled by trade bodies alone, without political interference, so the issue can be resolved sooner rather than later,” the source stressed.

Meanwhile, federation president Anil Vallabhaneni, in a letter to members, expressed optimism ahead of Wednesday’s meeting. “We are hopeful that tomorrow justice will be done for everyone,” he wrote, adding that discussions will also cover the concerns of small producers and working conditions. Vallabhaneni said he believes the matter will be settled positively.

He quoted cinematography minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, who conveyed that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy aimed to transform Hyderabad into a major cinema hub, and that a strike at such a time is “not good.” The minister urged both sides to resolve the issue through dialogue.

When contacted, Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce president Bharat Bhushan confirmed: “We are holding the coordination committee meeting tomorrow at our premises, and we are hoping for a positive outcome.”