A group of Tollywood producers has decided to take their grievances against the Federation’s control to the Competition Commission of India (CCI). They argue that the Federation holds an unfair grip over the industry. As part of the Tollywood Producers Challenge, they are also calling for greater inclusion of new members in film production.
Telugu Film Producer Council General Secretary T. Prasanna Kumar confirmed the move. “We have prepared all the documents to move the CCI to New Delhi, and our representatives are already there,” he said. His remarks underline the seriousness with which producers are approaching the issue.
The CCI had investigated the Federation’s dominance in 2017. That probe raised concerns about practices that disadvantaged non-member producers. According to Prasanna, producers will again make the Chamber a party in the case. They want the right to hire workers freely without interference.
One of the main disputes involves the Federation’s rule on hiring fighters. Producers must employ ten local fighters even when hiring fighters from Mumbai. “We end up paying local fighters even if they don’t work,” Prasanna said. This practice adds financial strain to productions. The Federation has around 25,000 workers, but only about half are employed, which shows inefficiencies in the system.
The producers are also pushing for reforms. They want a nine-hour work shift and the removal of extra pay for dual-language shoots. At present, workers receive additional wages when shifts extend, something producers believe is unfair.
These disputes reflect challenges across India’s film industries. In Punjab, costs are rising and restrictive rules hinder growth. While Punjab’s industry is expanding with new talent, it too faces pressures similar to those in Tollywood.
By appealing to the CCI, Tollywood producers hope to secure reforms that give them more flexibility. They stress the importance of working with the Federation but want a fairer system. Their aim is to balance worker rights with producers’ freedom to manage costs and resources.
The outcome of this challenge could set a precedent across India. It may reshape how regional film industries operate under regulatory and union influence.
