Hyderabad: Tollywood producer TG Vishwa Prasad has clarified that his recent remarks were not directed at the skills or dedication of film workers but at the system that hinders new talent. The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions in the Telugu film industry regarding wage hikes for cine workers, and following backlash over comments he made in an earlier interview.
In a statement released on social media, Vishwa Prasad, co-founder of People Media Factory, said, “There is immense talent in Hyderabad. Nearly 70 percent of the workforce in our production house and across the Telugu film industry are local individuals. They play a crucial role in the industry’s growth.”
Addressing the widening skill gap in the industry, he stated, “It’s not just about lack of talent. The gap, which was 10 percent earlier, has now grown to nearly 40 percent. One of the key reasons is the existence of groups that illegally demand between ₹5 to ₹7 lakh to allow entry of new technicians and artists. These practices create major obstacles for skilled newcomers. Such exploitation not only blocks talent but also diverts the industry’s progress for personal gain, which could harm the industry’s future.”
Vishwa Prasad added that the perception that he was demeaning local talent is completely inaccurate. “My criticism was directed only at the system, not at the artists or technicians. Local talent has always been the backbone of Telugu cinema. Systems that obstruct such talent should be dismantled. We must prioritize merit and prevent the influence of vested-interest groups that operate solely for profit,” he said.
