Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Film Union President Alleges Federation Interference and Irregularities
V. Sumalatha Devi leads a union for dancers and dance directors in the Telugu film industry.
She says leaders of a larger film employees federation are interfering in her union’s work.
She also says she faced retaliation after raising questions about alleged irregularities.
Sumalatha became the first woman president of her union in 30 years, according to the report.
She wants the suspension or non-cooperation action against Johnny Master to be withdrawn.
Other groups have also raised concerns about elections, money, housing allocations, and the Chitrapuri Housing Society.
They asked the Telugu Film Chamber to investigate these matters.
The federation representatives’ responses were not included in the report, so the allegations still need verification.
V. Sumalatha Devi alleged interference by Telugu States Film Employees Federation leaders in her union’s internal affairs.
Sumalatha Devi said retaliatory action followed her questioning of alleged union irregularities.
She demanded withdrawal of the non-cooperation or suspension imposed on choreographer Johnny Master.
Several groups petitioned the Telugu Film Chamber for action and an investigation into federation and Chitrapuri affairs.
Critics alleged election interference, weakening of rival factions, and threats to the independence of 24 unions representing about 26,000 workers.
- Who
- V. Sumalatha Devi, representatives of film trade unions, Chitrapuri-related groups, and other critics made the allegations; the report names Telugu Film Employees Federation leaders Anil Kumar Vallabhaneni and Rayapalli Prasad among those accused.
- What
- They alleged interference in unions, irregularities in federation affairs, election-related problems, and issues involving the Chitrapuri Housing Society.
- Where
- The dispute concerns the Telugu film workers’ federation and unions in the Telugu states, with a petition submitted to the Telugu Film Chamber.
- Why
- The groups sought protection for union independence and workers’ rights, action over alleged federation conduct, and a thorough investigation into Chitrapuri affairs.
Complainants and Critics
Federation Representatives
Interference in unions
Complainants and Critics
Sumalatha Devi and other critics alleged that federation leaders interfered in union affairs, weakened opposing factions, and attempted to increase control over the 24 crafts.
Federation Representatives
The report does not include a response from the federation representatives, so their position on these allegations is unavailable.
Election and financial concerns
Complainants and Critics
Critics alleged that money and votes were exchanged during federation and union elections and raised questions about financial affairs, membership, and house allocations.
Federation Representatives
No response or alternative explanation from the concerned federation representatives was included, and the allegations remain subject to verification.
Action against Johnny Master
Complainants and Critics
Sumalatha Devi demanded that the non-cooperation or suspension imposed on Johnny Master be withdrawn.
Federation Representatives
The report does not state the federation’s reasons for imposing the action or its response to the demand.
- Union leader
- V. Sumalatha Devi is president of the Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association.
- Leadership milestone
- She said she became the union’s first woman president in 30 years.
- Demand
- She called for withdrawal of the non-cooperation or suspension imposed on choreographer Johnny Master.
- Federation structure
- The federation was described as representing 24 trade unions and about 26,000 workers.
- Petition recipient
- The groups submitted a petition to Telugu Film Chamber Secretary Ashok Kumar.
- Additional concern
- The petitioners requested an investigation into financial affairs, membership, house allocations, and reports related to the Chitrapuri Housing Society.