Various cine unions rage against Film Federation ▪️ Allegations of massive irregularities in Chitrapuri Housing Society ▪️ Criticism that cine unions are being fragmented ▪️ Stern warning that Vallabhaneni Anil will not be spared ▪️ Demand to make inquiry reports public ▪️ Representation submitted to Film Chamber by victims and labour union representatives ▪️ Put Vallabhaneni Anil in jail: Pasham Yadagiri demands
Hyderabad: Internal strife in the 24 crafts labour union system, considered the backbone of the Telugu film industry, has come out into the open. Serious allegations have suddenly surfaced regarding the administrative style of the Film Federation, the irregularities by Tollywood Film Employees Federation (Telugu Film Workers Federation) President Vallabhaneni Anil, his interference in unions, the election process, workers' rights, and Chitrapuri Housing Society affairs.
While allegations of dictatorial tendencies are being heard against the Federation, numerous questions are being raised on financial matters, memberships, house allocations, and inquiry reports related to the Chitrapuri Housing Society. In the wake of these developments, representatives of cine labour unions approaching the Telugu Film Chamber has become a talking point in the industry.
Chitrapuri Sadhana Samithi leaders, 24 Crafts–Chitrapuri Colony victims' representatives, Telangana Joint Action Committee Film Wing, Osmania University representatives, and Telangana Cinema Vedika members together met Telugu Film Chamber Secretary Ashok Kumar and submitted a representation. They requested immediate action on the developments allegedly taking place in the Federation and a comprehensive inquiry into Chitrapuri affairs.
Telangana activist and senior journalist Pasham Yadagiri spoke out strongly and slammed the authorities. He demanded that cases be filed against Film Federation President Vallabhaneni Anil and that he be put in jail. He said such fraudsters should not be spared in Telangana.
'Attempt to bring 24 Crafts under control'
Remarks made by former Directors Association Secretary Maddineni Ramesh escalated this issue further. He alleged that one person's dominance was increasing in the Federation comprising 24 labour unions. He alleged that interference was taking place in the affairs of various unions like the Dancers Union, Women Workers Union, and Production Executives Managers Union, creating divisions among them. He alleged that money and vote politics take place during Federation and union elections. He stated that an attempt was being made to bring the entire Federation under control by weakening groups not favorable to him and bringing favorable individuals into various unions.
'Federation has 26,000 workers.. are decisions in the hands of a few?'
Representatives stated that the interests of about 26,000 workers are tied to the 24 Crafts. They said there is a need to protect democratic procedures, the independence of unions, and workers' rights in such a large system. Allegations that the Federation leadership, after elections conclude, is creating divisions, joining hands with rival groups, and acting contrary to bylaws instead of coordinating all unions have led to intense discussion.
'Allegations of Rs 110 crore scam on Chitrapuri!'
Chitrapuri Sadhana Samithi representative Kasturi Srinivas made serious allegations regarding the Chitrapuri Housing Society affairs. He stated that previous inquiry reports mentioned financial irregularities of around Rs 110 crore. He alleged that another inquiry report related to the 2020-2025 period is also ready, but the details in it have not been fully disclosed. He stated that although a general body meeting should have been held within a specific timeframe after the inquiry report came out, it did not happen. However, these allegations regarding Rs 110 crore need to be independently verified based on relevant inquiry documents and official reports.
'Serious allegations on memberships and voter list'
Severe objections were also expressed regarding memberships, voter lists, house allocations, and registrations in the Chitrapuri Housing Society. Kasturi Srinivas questioned the issue of about 1,300 non-members by linking it with past legal matters. He demanded that registrations and house allocations should take place only after a full-scale examination of eligibility, membership, and allocation processes.
'Dancers Union dispute also intensifies'
Meanwhile, the Dancers Union affair also became the center of a controversy. Telugu Film and Dance Directors Association President V.V. Sumalatha Devi strongly objected to the Film Federation's attitude. She alleged that Federation President Anil Kumar and Secretary Rayapalli Prasad are interfering in their union's internal affairs. She stated that they are facing retaliatory actions precisely for questioning the irregularities allegedly taking place in the union. She alleged that she, who was elected as the first female president after 30 years, is being harassed and not allowed to work peacefully. She also demanded the lifting of the non-cooperation/suspension imposed on Johnny Master.
'Democracy must be protected in the Federation'
Representatives requested that instead of individual dominance in the Federation, equal priority should be given to all unions in the 24 Crafts. They demanded that internal problems of unions should be resolved within the scope of the respective associations, and a transparent approach should be followed at the Federation level. They urged the Film Chamber, Film Development Corporation, Cinematography Department, Cooperation Department, and other relevant regulatory bodies to comprehensively investigate these allegations and bring the facts to light.
'Inquiry will bring out facts'
Representatives stated that a comprehensive audit and inquiry are necessary on issues such as lands, memberships, voter lists, house allocations, registrations, and fund utilization related to the Chitrapuri Housing Society. They stated that they have already submitted several complaints and representations to officials and various government institutions. They requested to examine the relevant documents, inquiry reports, and court orders and disclose the facts.
The event was attended by Chitrapuri Sadhana Samithi representative Dr. Kasturi Srinivas, former Directors Association Secretary Maddineni Ramesh, Telangana activist and senior journalist Pasham Yadagiri, Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association President V.V. Sumalatha Devi, and representatives of various cine unions Hema Jilloju, Kalagara Sudhir, Bheem Reddy Gurram Raju, Osmania Nagesh, Shiva Shankar Patel, Thota Haritha, Tadivelu, and others.
'All eyes now on Film Chamber decision'
With the 24 Crafts Federation affair, Dancers Union dispute, and Chitrapuri Housing Society allegations coming to the fore simultaneously, the issue has become a talking point in the Telugu film industry. What action the Telugu Film Chamber will take on the representation submitted by the victims and labour union representatives has now become crucial.
