Profit sharing, health insurance, school for kids: CM Revanth rolls out welfare package for Tollywood workforce

Hyderabad: Promising to make Hyderabad a world-class film hub, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy rolled out a comprehensive welfare package for the Telugu film industry’s workforce, ensuring that technicians, junior artistes, and daily-wagers share the benefits of the industry’s success.

Speaking at a massive gathering of film workers at the Police Grounds, Yousufguda, the Chief Minister said the government would permit an increase in ticket prices during big releases, on the condition that 20 per cent of the additional profits be contributed to a Film Workers’ Welfare Fund.

Share of success for cine workers

Revanth Reddy said the new system would ensure that the financial gains of high-grossing films are shared beyond producers and stars, benefitting the thousands of workers who form the backbone of the industry.

“The welfare of those who work behind the camera is our priority,” he said, adding that the government would soon issue orders mandating the transfer of 20% of extra box-office revenue from such ticket price hikes into the welfare fund.

He also announced an initial government grant of Rs 10 crore to strengthen the fund.

Study on workers’ living conditions

Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC) chairman ‘Dil’ Raju has been tasked with conducting a detailed study on the living conditions of film workers and submitting a report. The findings will guide additional welfare measures to be finalised in November, the Chief Minister said.

Corporate-Standard School for Workers’ Children

Among the new initiatives, Revanth Reddy announced the setting up of a corporate-standard school to provide free education from nursery to Class 12 for children of cine workers. The school will also offer free breakfast and lunch, he said.

The Chief Minister directed the Film Workers’ Union to identify suitable land in Krishnanagar for the project.

Health Insurance and Housing Support

All cine workers will be brought under the Aarogyasri health insurance scheme, ensuring access to quality medical care. The government will also extend financial support for constructing the Film Workers’ Association Bhavan and allot land in Bharat Future City to establish a Cine Fighters’ Training Centre, aimed at enhancing professional skills.

Hyderabad as Global Film Hub

Revanth Reddy reiterated his vision of transforming Hyderabad into a global centre for film production, on par with Hollywood.

“The film industry will receive the same importance as IT and pharma,” he said, urging producers, especially those making small and medium-budget films, to choose Telangana as their shooting destination with full government backing.

Telugu Film Industry in ‘Telangana Rising 2047’

The Chief Minister announced that the Telugu film industry would feature as a special chapter in the forthcoming ‘Telangana Rising 2047 – Vision Document’, showcasing its contribution to the state’s economic and cultural growth.

Revival of State Film Awards

Revanth Reddy also announced the revival of the annual State Film Awards after a decade-long gap, naming them after the late balladeer Gaddar to honour outstanding contributions to cinema.

He paid tributes to legends such as N.T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Krishna, Shobhan Babu, and Prabhakar Reddy, and recalled the efforts of former Chief Minister Marri Chenna Reddy in promoting the industry.

Political Significance in Jubilee Hills

The meeting, held in the poll-bound Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency, carried clear political undertones. With an estimated 25,000 voters from the Telugu film industry, the event was seen as part of the Congress government’s outreach to one of Hyderabad’s most influential professional communities.