Superstar Rajinikanth has waded into the stand-off between Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council (TFPC) and Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), urging both bodies to start talks and reach an amicable solution.

He said, “Among the few phrases that I don't like, is 'striking work'. Whatever the issue, we let go of our ego and think about the public good; with kind words, we can always find a solution. As a senior artiste, I request the producers' council and FEFSI to speak to each other and come up with a good solution.”

The whole issue erupted after the Tamil Film Producers’ Council, headed by actor Vishal, recently took the decision of allowing producers to employ any technician, including those who are not associated with Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI).

FEFSI is an organisation consisting of technicians from the Tamil film industry and is believed to have around 25,000 members. 

The press note issued by the Producers’ Council read, “Producers are bound to pay their workers but a section of members of FEFSI are trying to demand unreasonable remuneration, which causes huge loss.”

The Producers’ Council unanimously agreed to this decision after FEFSI workers stalled the shooting of a film that was being produced by RK Suresh’s Studio 9, demanding higher wages.

On Tuesday, the President of FEFSI, RK Selvamani, announced that technicians associated with the federation would go on an indefinite strike from August 1 if their demands for higher wages were not met. 

Speaking at the press meet, RK Selvamani pointed out, “The FEFSI has nearly 25,000 members and it is unfair if the council refuses to pay the wages which have already been agreed upon.”