Chiranjeevi Denies Meeting Allegations, Labels Claims as Groundless in Face of Protests
The Telangana film industry is currently experiencing a significant disruption due to a strike by the Telugu Film Employees Federation (TFIEF) that has lasted for 8 days [10]. The strike, which began on August 4, 2025, is centered around a wage dispute, with workers demanding a 30% wage raise [6].
Megastar Chiranjeevi, a prominent figure in the industry, has denied meeting with protesting workers, stating that no unilateral commitments can be made in the industry matter [2]. He has emphasized that the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) is the superior organization of the Telugu film industry and the only body that will discuss and find a resolution for the ongoing dispute [9].
The TFCC has proposed that wages are already above the legal minimum and cautioned that a large increase could negatively impact smaller film productions [5]. They have suggested resolving the dispute through talks involving all parties, with Chiranjeevi facilitating these discussions as a mediator [1][4][5].
Chiranjeevi has engaged with both producers and worker representatives, listening to grievances from various crafts, including issues about Sunday double call sheets and contract terms [3]. He has pledged his support to find a fair and balanced resolution, but has clarified that he has not given any unilateral assurance of meeting the 30% wage hike demand [2].
Producers have offered a phased increase in wages, providing a 15% - 20% increase for the first year and a 5% increase for the second and third years for low wage earners [8]. However, workers are refusing selective and staged pay increases, demanding a more comprehensive solution [7].
The TFCC's position is that the industry wages offered are already approximately 100 rupees higher than the Labour Commission’s prescribed rate, implying the current wages are competitive but open to dialogue [5]. They stress the importance of collective negotiations rather than a unilateral wage hike.
The future resolution of the wage dispute in the Telangana film industry is likely to come through negotiation, not speculation or the courts. The industry, currently on pause, is hoping for a swift and fair resolution to resume productions and alleviate the difficult situation of the thousands of daily wage workers affected by the strike [6].
Entertainment industry disruptions are not limited to the Telangana film industry, as celebrities and movies-and-TV production face consequences from such events. The ongoing wage dispute between the Telugu Film Employees Federation (TFIEF) and the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has heightened the pressure on industry figures like Megastar Chiranjeevi to find a resolution, as they strive to balance the demands of celebrities and workers.
