Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has stepped in to defuse the escalating wage dispute between the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation and film producers, urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue instead of halting shoots.
Meeting representatives of the Federation on Monday, Venkat Reddy said it was โnot appropriateโ to stop film production and advised forming a joint committee to find a solution. The Minister has scheduled talks between the Federation and producers for Tuesday, assuring that the state government will assist the industry in overcoming the crisis.
The standoff began after the Federation, representing workers from 24 unions, went on strike demanding a 30% wage hike. They rejected producersโ counterproposal to increase pay for only 13 unions, calling it a divisive move. Leaders stressed that all 10,000 daily wage workersโwhether earning โน1,500 or โน2,500 a dayโshould be treated equally.
Producers including Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju, Supriya, Gemini Kiran, and Damodar Prasad met the Minister to explain their position. The Federation leaders later met Venkat Reddy and expressed willingness to reconsider their demand but insisted on an across-the-board hike.
Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh also held discussions with Tollywood producers, who submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns. The producers are seeking meetings with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. Durgesh assured that if needed, Pawan Kalyan will personally intervene to resolve the issue.
The coming days will be crucial, as both statesโ film industries watch to see whether Tuesdayโs talks will end the strike and restart stalled productions.
