A strike is currently underway in Tollywood after film workers demanded a 30% salary hike. With no positive response from producers, the Film Federation recently called for a bandh, urging workers to stay away from film sets starting today. They were told to return only if proper wages are offered.
As a result, shootings across Telugu cinema have come to a stop. Though there are reports that some filmmakers are bringing in workers from Chennai and Mumbai to continue shoots, the truth behind those claims remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that several films and web series have paused production.
This disruption has created problems for many big-budget films currently in production. Since some have already announced release dates, the delay is causing major concerns. Production costs are rising, and actors’ schedules are being wasted. In some cases, even set rentals are becoming costlier due to the pause in work.
One such affected film is the highly anticipated project starring Megastar Chiranjeevi and directed by Anil Ravipudi. The movie is in a crucial phase of filming, with grand sets and tight schedules. A sudden break is forcing the team to change their plans.
Another Tollywood film hit by the strike is Akhanda 2 Tandavam, starring Balakrishna and directed by Boyapati Srinu. It’s in its final shooting stage, with just a few days left. Makers had planned to release it as a festive treat for Dussehra, but now that’s uncertain.
Prabhas’s pan-India movie Raja Saab is also impacted. A large set was recently built and required hundreds of workers — but all work has now stopped due to the strike. Other films like Andhraking Thaaluka, Sambarala Yetigattu, Telusu Kada, and Decoyt are also affected.
Several producers have openly expressed dissatisfaction and worry. Unless the issue is resolved soon, further delays and financial strain seem likely.