Mon Jun 30 09:50:36 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) and the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) are embroiled in a dispute over wages and working conditions for film technicians in Tamil Nadu. FEFSI claims that while top actors receive exorbitant salaries, technicians are underpaid and that TFPC is attempting to hire technicians from other states. TFPC counters that they are concerned for technicians but are facing non-cooperation from FEFSI after the previous MoU expired. TFPC also states that FEFSI is promoting a rival organization and is now working with the Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA). The Madras High Court suggested that both parties resolve their differences through mediation with a retired judge acting as mediator.

**News Article:**

**Tamil Film Industry in Crisis as Producers and Technicians Clash in Court**

**CHENNAI, June 30, 2025** – A bitter dispute between the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) and the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) has escalated, threatening to disrupt ongoing film productions and sparking concerns about fair wages in the industry. The Madras High Court heard arguments on Monday, where FEFSI accused producers of prioritizing exorbitant actor salaries over fair compensation for technicians, some of whom are reportedly paid as little as ₹3,000 a day.

FEFSI’s advocate, G. Mohanakrishnan, also alleged that TFPC members were attempting to recruit technicians from other states, effectively “snatching the livelihood” of local workers. TFPC, represented by Krishna Ravindran, countered that the council represents mostly small-budget filmmakers and that TFPC is not in a position to pay technicians more. Ravindran noted that TFPC had attempted in the past to come to terms with FEFSI, by using an MoU system, but that the latest MoU had expired on March 9, 2025.

The dispute worsened after FEFSI accused TFPC of supporting a rival technicians’ association, resulting in a non-cooperation directive that has stalled film projects. According to Ravindran, FEFSI has now aligned with the Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA).

The severity of the situation has prompted intervention from Minister for Information and Publicity M.P. Saminathan, who is expected to hold talks between the warring parties. Justice K. Kumaresh Babu of the Madras High Court acknowledged the court’s inability to compel FEFSI members to work with TFPC without a valid agreement. However, he urged both sides to resolve their differences through mediation. The court has requested both sides submit names of retired High Court judges who could serve as mediator by Wednesday.

The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the Tamil film industry, particularly concerning labor practices and the balance of power between producers and technicians.

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