The Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Federation called for a strike on Monday, August 4, bringing film and web series shoots across Tollywood to a standstill. The federation is demanding a 30% wage hike for its members and has instructed workers not to report to sets unless producers agree to the revised rates.

In an official statement, the federation said, “Wages will be paid with a 30% hike starting Monday. Only those with written confirmation from producers will be permitted to shoot. Members cannot attend any shoots or events without federation approval, irrespective of location or language.”

In response, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce issued a statement condemning the unilateral action. “We’ve already been paying workers above minimum wage,” it noted, warning that the disruption could cause “heavy damages” to ongoing productions.

The Chamber added, “We condemn this action taken by the Federation as we have worked together with their members of decades. The Chamber is in talks with relevant authorities to secure a sustainable resolution. Producers are informed to follow the Chamber’s guidance strictly and avoid independent action or separate agreements with union until resolution. Let’s all stand together for lasting reform, for a better future.”

Tollywood has numerous films under production now, including Chiranjeevi’s yet-to-be-titled film with Anil Ravipudi, Ram Charan’s Peddi with Buchi Babu Sana, Balakrishna’s Akhanda 2 with Boyapati Srinu, Teja Sajja’s Mirai, Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s Telusu Kada and more. Also, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is in Hyderabad for S S Rajamouli’s SSMB 29, co-starring Mahesh Babu. Additionally, the pooja ceremony for Allari Naresh’s upcoming film was also postponed. With the new diktat that workers will only work with producers who will agree to the 30%, it remains to be seen if their demands are met.