After weeks of uncertainty that brought the Telugu film industry, popularly known as Tollywood, to a grinding halt, the Telugu film industry finally heaved a sigh of relief as the Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Federation (TFIEF) called off its strike.
The breakthrough came only after Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy intervened, bringing producers and labour unions back to the negotiation table. The announcement came late evening on August 22, 2025, after a marathon round of talks between the producers’ guild, workers’ union representatives, and State officials.
What sparked the shutdown?
Beginning August 4, the strike brought all shoots across Hyderabad and beyond to a grinding halt. Workers demanded a 30% wage hike and improved call sheet policies. Workers demanded a hike in daily wages citing rising living costs, while producers argued that increased budgets and post-pandemic market volatility made the demands difficult to sustain. The deadlock quickly escalated, halting major projects and putting thousands of daily-wage employees – technicians, light boys, set workers – out of work.
Production across some of the biggest projects including Chiranjeevi’s MEGA157 and Ravi Teja’s ‘Mass Jathara’ was disrupted. Other productions like SSMB29, ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’, and several smaller-budget films were thrown off schedule, with filming suspended indefinitely.
CM Revanth Reddy’s intervention
With the standoff showing no signs of resolution and mounting pressure from both sides, CM Revanth Reddy stepped in to mediate. Calling the film industry “the pride of Telugu people and a vital contributor to Telangana’s economy”, he convened a high-level meeting at Pragathi Bhavan. The Chief Minister called upon both producers and workers to find middle ground, stressing that prolonged disruptions would harm not only the industry’s financial health but also the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on it.
The hold-up was damaging both livelihoods and “Hyderabad’s image as India’s film capital”, said Revanth Reddy, whose mediation led to marathon talks, including key stakeholders, producers, and union leaders.
Breakthrough agreement
Following several hours of negotiations, a consensus was reached. Workers will receive a 22% phased increase in wages over the next year, while producers secured assurances of structured discussions before future strikes. The State government also promised to set up a grievance redressal committee, comprising representatives from both producers and workers, to prevent such disputes from escalating into industry-wide shutdowns.
Announcing the resolution, the Federation leaders thanked the Chief Minister for his “timely and balanced intervention”, while producers expressed relief that stalled projects, including big-budget films starring A-list actors, could finally resume shooting.
Expressing gratitude, megastar Chiranjeevi, who celebrates his birthday on this day, posted on X: “Amidst such a complex industry crisis, I offer heartfelt thanks to CM Revanth Reddy, who resolved matters with fairness toward both producers and workers.”
Producer Dil Raju echoed the sentiment: “This resolution brings stability back to both the workforce and film projects.”
Why it matters
The Telugu film industry is not just a cultural powerhouse but also a massive employer and revenue generator. Every shooting schedule engages hundreds of workers, and disruptions ripple across ancillary industries like catering, transport, set construction, and costume design, among other crafts. The strike had already cost crores of rupees in losses, with release dates of several films pushed back.
By brokering peace, the Telangana government has sent a strong signal of support to an industry that plays a crucial role in the State’s cultural identity and economy. For Revanth Reddy, the episode also reinforced his image as a leader willing to engage directly with key stakeholders and resolve conflicts head-on.
Looking ahead
While the immediate crisis has been averted, both sides acknowledge the need for long-term mechanisms to avoid repeated showdowns. With films back on track and workers returning to sets, the industry is hopeful that lessons from this episode will pave the way for more dialogue-driven resolutions in the future.
For now, the cameras are rolling again… and Tollywood’s creative heartbeat is back in motion.
Praise from the film industry
“Grateful to Hon’ble CM Shri @revanth_anumula Garu for resolving the Telugu film industry issue and ending the strike.
Your vision and support reflect a deep commitment towards the welfare and progress of our cinema.
We also thank Minister for Cinematography Shri. @KomatireddyKVR Garu, @DrCRohinReddy
Garu, the Film Chamber, concerned associations and the bureaucrats for this resolution.
— Mythri Movie Makers
Grateful to Hon’ble CM Shri @revanth_anumula Garu for addressing the Telugu Film Industry concerns and ensuring the smooth resolution of the strike.
Your vision and constant support reflect a strong commitment to the welfare and progress of Telugu Cinema.
We also extend our thanks to Cinematography Minister Shri @KomatireddyKVR Garu, Shri
@DrCRohinReddy Garu, the Film Chamber, all associations, and bureaucrats for their efforts in this resolution.
Special appreciation to Labour Commissioner of Telangana Dr. E. Gangadhar Garu & his team for their dedicated support.
— SVCC
We are thankful to Hon’ble CM Shri @revanth_anumula Garu for resolving the Telugu film industry issue and putting an end to the strike.
Your vision for the film industry and your support will drive us in making Hyderabad a global cinema hub.
We also thank Minister for Cinematography Shri. @KomatireddyKVR Garu, @DrCRohinReddy Garu, the Film Chamber, concerned associations and the bureaucrats for working towards this solution.
— Vriddhi Cinemas
Special thanks to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri @revanth_anumula Garu for his support in resolving the film workers’ strike and ensuring the welfare of our cinema.
His guidance has helped unite the Telugu film industry and set it on a path of growth and progress.
— Vyjayanthi Movies
Heartfelt thanks to our Hon’ble CM Shri @revanth_anumula Garu for resolving the Telugu film industry issue and showing unwavering support for its future.
We are also deeply grateful to Shri @KomatireddyKVR Garu, @DrCRohinReddy Garu, Film Chamber, associations, and officials for their collective efforts.
— Sithara Entertainments
Our heartfelt thanks to Hon’ble CM Shri @revanth_anumula Garu for resolving the issue affecting our film industry and ending the strike with vision and concern for Telugu Cinema’s welfare.
We also extend thanks to Shri @KomatireddyKVR Garu, @DrCRohinReddy Garu, the Film Chamber, associations, and officials for their contributions.
— Geetha Arts
Grateful to Hon’ble CM Shri @revanth_anumula Garu for guiding the Telugu film industry towards resolution and progress.
We also thank Minister Shri @KomatireddyKVR Garu, @DrCRohinReddy Garu, Film Chamber and associations for standing together in this effort…🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Naga Vamsi
A big thank you to Hon’ble Telangana CM Sri @revanth_anumula garu, Hon’ble Dy CM Sri
@Bhatti_Mallu garu, and Hon’ble Cinematography Minister Sri @KomatireddyKVR garu for their timely intervention in calling off the Film Union strike.
Your support has given us renewed energy and confidence.
We look forward to seeing Hyderabad emerge as a global hub for international cinema.
— People Media Factory
Heartfelt Thanks to our Hon’ble CM Shri @revanth_anumula Garu for taking swift action to resolve the Telugu film industry issue. Your commitment speaks volumes about your vision for its development and future growth.
We are equally thankful to Shri @KomatireddyKVR Garu, @DrCRohinReddy Garu, Film Chamber, associations, and officials for their support in achieving this resolution.
— Haarika & Hassine Creations