Telugu Producers Accept 30% Wage Hike But Demand Strict Work Rules

Wage battle in Tollywood escalates as producers push for tighter controls. Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna step in to mediate.

Producers Say Yes to Pay Hike But With 4 Conditions

After a three-day standoff, Telugu film producers have agreed to a 30% wage hike for film workers. But they have set four tough conditions in return.

These include fixed 12-hour workdays, freedom to hire non-union workers if union members are unavailable, no objections under the current ‘ratio’ system, and double wages only on government holidays and second Sundays. Regular Sundays will attract normal pay. The producer made these demands during talks with the Telugu Film Employees Federation (TFEF) at the Film Chamber of Commerce.

Union Accepts Two Conditions, Delays on Two

TFEF President Anil Vallabhaneni said the union has accepted two of the conditions. He did not specify which ones. The remaining two will be discussed with members.

Vallabhaneni said another meeting will be held on Saturday, as Friday is a public holiday. Until then, union members are free to work with producers who have already accepted the hike. He added that the union will continue to support small and independent filmmakers.

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Balakrishna Advises Producers to Cost Cuts

Senior actor Nandamuri Balakrishna met with Producers’ Guild members on Thursday. He advised them to reduce the number of shooting days to lower costs. He also suggested downsizing film crews to improve efficiency. Balakrishna assured producers of his full support. He committed to doing four films a year to help the industry recover.

Chiranjeevi Also Weighs In

Producers had earlier met Chiranjeevi on August 5. He, too, stressed the importance of finding a fair resolution. Both stars want to protect the interests of workers and producer alike. “All top actors want this crisis to end soon,” said Producers Council member T. Prasanna Kumar.