The Jani Master controversy has exposed a much bigger issue in Tollywood

The recent disagreement involving choreographers Jani Master and Sekhar Master has once again turned attention towards a larger issue that has been brewing in the Telugu film industry for years.

Several producers have raised concerns over the functioning of the Telugu Film & TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association, claiming that some of its rules make filmmaking more expensive and restrict creative freedom. They also allege that many talented dancers struggle to find work because of the existing system.

'We should be free to choose the right dancers'

A producer, who did not wish to be identified, said filmmakers are often unable to cast dancers who best suit a song because they are expected to hire union members.

He explained that if a film requires young college students in a dance sequence, producers may still have to use older dancers from the union instead of selecting performers who fit the scene.

According to him, this limits a director's creative choices.

"Federations should support creativity, not stand in its way," he said.

The producer also referred to a Competition Commission of India order that allows producers to hire workers of their choice. However, he claimed that, in reality, filmmakers continue to face pressure to follow the union's rules.

One of the biggest concerns, he said, is the "sharing clause", which reportedly requires producers to hire an equal number of local dancers and dancers from cities such as Mumbai or Chennai.

He alleged that the association has promised several times to remove the rule, but it remains in place, increasing production costs.

The producer further claimed that film shoots are sometimes threatened with disruption if union members are not hired.

Extra costs add to production budgets

Telugu Film Producers Council secretary T Prasanna Kumar also believes the current system places an unnecessary financial burden on filmmakers.

He said that if a production hires dancers from Hyderabad and another city, it often has to appoint separate coordinators for each group, even when one coordinator would be enough.

According to him, this creates avoidable expenses.

Prasanna Kumar also said producers should have the flexibility to hire local dancers while filming overseas instead of being required to use only union cardholders.

He added that repeatedly working with the same group of dancers also affects the freshness of dance sequences on screen.

Concerns over opportunities for new dancers

Producer SK Nayeem Muddin claimed that the existing system has become difficult for both producers and aspiring dancers.

He alleged that Hyderabad-based dancers are currently paid more than dancers in Mumbai and Chennai, adding that certain charges collected from producers over the years should be reviewed to help reduce production costs.

He also questioned the cost of joining the dancers' union.

According to him, young dancers reportedly need a union card costing around ₹6 lakh before they can begin working in films, making it difficult for many talented newcomers to enter the industry.

How the Jani Master controversy added fuel to the debate

The industry's concerns gained wider attention after videos showing choreographers Jani Master and Sekhar Master in a heated argument at the dancers' association office circulated on social media.

Reports suggest the dispute began after some members objected to decisions taken by Sumalatha, president of the Telugu Film & TV Dancers Association and Jani Master's wife.

The members reportedly alleged that she announced by-elections without consulting the executive committee or receiving approval from the Telugu State Film Employees Federation.

As the disagreement intensified, around ten office-bearers are said to have resigned while questioning the legality of the proposed elections.

Basheer calls for more opportunities

Choreographer Basheer also weighed in on the issue through social media.

He claimed that the current controversy started after choreographer Sandeep Master was issued a dance master's card.

Basheer argued that the Telugu film industry should encourage more choreographers instead of limiting opportunities to only a handful of established names.

"We need more dance masters, and everyone should be allowed to work," he said, adding that issuing more choreographer cards would allow talented people to build careers in the industry.