Tollywood Heads Towards A Solution To Wage Row, Says Panel Member

Hyderabad: After days of tense struggle, normalcy appears to be returning to the Telugu film industry with the representatives of film producers and film workers gradually coming around to find a solution to the outstanding issues.

“We had discussions for a few hours today, and no one spoke against each other. Everything went on pleasantly,” said Veera Shankar, who is part of the coordination committee formed by the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, comprising members from both the producers' side and the industry workers.

“We are like one family and have worked together for years. We are hopeful that a positive resolution will be reached in a couple of days, after a few more meetings. As members of the directors’ forum in the committee, we will act as proper mediators between the producers and the cine workers.”

He claimed that Telugu producers had always been friendly rather than forceful, maintaining strong relationships with technicians and treating them with respect. “This camaraderie has existed since the days of the Telugu film industry in Chennai and continues even now. Technicians eat more meals on shooting sets than at home — we truly understand each other. People in the 24 crafts work very hard, and producers are well aware of it,” he reasoned.

“Of the four conditions set by the producers for agreeing to the 30 per cent hike, the issue of paying regular wages — not the double salary — for those working on Sundays needs to be sorted out; otherwise, both sides are in agreement on other demands.”

On the demand for a 30 per cent wage hike, he said “We haven’t discussed the percentage hike today. But we will always support smaller producers, knowing that 80 per cent of Telugu films are small- and medium-budget productions. The federation wouldn’t want to burden them.”