Tollywood Strike: Stars Paid in Crores, Workers Given Crumbs
The Telugu film industry has come to a standstill after the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation called a strike over a 30% wage hike demand. Producers say they are willing to raise wages but argue that the timing is bad, given the industry’s financial slump.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2025-08-10 08:28 GMT
Tollywood is home to some of the biggest names in Indian cinema — Chiranjeevi, Prabhas, Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, Ram Charan — each charging Rs 80–Rs120 crore per film. Leading directors command Rs 25–Rs 40 crore per project, and top actresses can earn up to Rs 1 crore for a single, 5 minute item number!
In stark contrast, daily wages for film workers range from Rs 1,250 to Rs 3,500.
Producers reject comparisons
“Bringing superstar salaries into comparison with worker wages is unwarranted,” said producer B.V.S.N. Prasad. “These stars started small and reached their positions through years of hard work. Would you compare a CEO’s salary with that of an office boy? We pay more than Chennai or Kerala.”
Producers argue that while some low-paid workers deserve better wages, many unions are already doing well. The industry is also under financial strain due to falling OTT rights, reduced Hindi dubbing rates, and declining theatre audiences. “The timing is the biggest problem,” Prasad said. “Demanding a 30% hike when the industry is in turmoil has only prolonged the stalemate.”
The Workers’ demand
The Federation wants a 30% hike across the board — raising Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,625 per day, Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,250, and Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,550 for both skilled and unskilled workers. “We do empathize with workers and are willing to hold discussions. We prefer a ‘rationalized approach’ instead of a steep hike. A transport employee makes close to Rs 1 lakh per month,” said producer Suresh Babu. “For big producers, the hike may be manageable, but smaller producers could be driven out. We want accountability — the days of workers idling on sets while drawing full wages are over.”
Legal action escalates dispute
The standoff has taken a legal turn. Producer T.G. Vishwa Prasad has sent court notices to the Federation’s president, general secretary, and treasurer, alleging the strike caused losses of Rs 1.5 crore per day after his films were halted mid-production.
“This is the first time someone has issued notices to us,” said Federation general secretary Ammi Raju. “Our members are upset that the action targets individuals instead of the Federation. Talks were already underway.”
To break the deadlock, producers proposed a gradual wage hike: Workers earning below Rs 2,000 per day: an immediate increase of 15% and followed by 2.5% for the second and third year. While workers who earn below Rs 1,000 per day get a 20% hike in the first year, with an additional 5% in subsequent years.
However, federation members rejected the offer outright, with some alleging that the move was meant to “divide the union.”
Hoping for a breakthrough
Coordination committee chairman Veera Shankar said 80% of the Federation’s demands have already been approved by producers. “Some members feel the proposed hikes favour those earning under Rs 2,000 and neglect higher earners, which they see as divisive. But discussions have been fruitful, and we expect an amicable solution soon.
Producers agree that lower-paid workers are struggling, while some in higher brackets are comfortable. We would find an amicable solution to be fair to wage earners with with few more rounds of discussions. ”