Court Notices Escalate Producers–Federation Row, Chiranjeevi Issues Clarification

Amid the ongoing tussle between Telugu film producers and the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation, the dispute has taken a legal turn. Producer T. G. Vishwa Prasad has issued court notices to the Federation’s president, general secretary, and treasurer, intensifying the standoff.

“Our three office bearers have received court notices, and our legal team will handle the matter. This is the first time someone has issued notices to us,” said Ammiraju, general secretary of the Federation. He claimed the notices allege that the strike caused losses of ₹1.5 crore per day after Vishwa Prasad’s films were halted mid-production. “Our members are upset over legal action against individuals rather than the Federation itself. Talks were already underway with producers on our demands,” he added.

Former general secretary Rajeshwar Reddy stressed that the legal move was from an individual, not the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce. “That will not deter our resolve. We have given a strike notice to the Chamber and held meetings with the coordination committee. While some issues have been settled, others remain. The core demand is a 30% wage hike for skilled and unskilled workers, which led us to halt work,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chiraneevi issued a statement and said, "The matter that has come to my notice is this — a few individuals claiming to be members of the Film Federation have gone to the media and falsely stated that I met them and agreed to their demands, including a 30% wage hike.'

I wish to clearly state the truth in this matter. I have not met anyone from the Federation. This is an issue concerning the entire industry, and no individual — myself included — can unilaterally give assurances or arrive at a solution.

In the Telugu film industry, the Film Chamber is the apex body. It is the collective responsibility of the Film Chamber to hold discussions with all sections and arrive at a fair resolution. Until then, I strongly condemn such baseless and motivated statements made with the intent to create confusion among all parties. Please take note." he concludes

Earlier, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce had issued a strict directive to its members in response to the Federation’s strike call. The Chamber instructed producers, studios, and allied sectors not to negotiate with striking unions until further notice, urging a united front.

It also ordered studios, outdoor units, and infrastructure providers to refrain from offering services without prior approval from the Chamber, warning against any moves that could weaken the industry’s collective position.