Tollywood Halted: Workers Strike from August 4, Demand 30% Pay Hike, Film Shoots Across Industry Stopped

The Telugu film industry is facing a major disruption as thousands of workers across departments have gone on strike from August 4, demanding a 30% salary hike. The strike has brought the entire production line to a standstill, putting small-scale projects to big-budget blockbusters at risk.

Workers Demand Long Overdue Salary Revision

The Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation has clearly stated that they will not return to work unless the pay hike is implemented. The demand for higher wages has been a point of contention since 2022, but despite multiple discussions with producers, no effective resolution was reached.

This time, the Federation has made it clear: only filmmakers agreeing to the revised pay scale will get workforce support. Others will have to halt operations.

Massive Impact Across the Industry

The strike has stopped all ongoing shoots, including web series, indie films, and star-driven commercial films. The economic ripple effect could be devastating, especially for high-investment projects currently in production.

Dialogue Has Been Going On for Months

Discussions between the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, Producers Council, and the Workers Federation have been ongoing for months. But with no resolution in sight, the employees felt forced to take this drastic step.

The Producers Council remains hopeful that a compromise will be reached soon to prevent long-term damage.