Prabhas starrer 'The Raja Saab' makers address workers’ payment row: Assure transparency in new statement - Read

The makers of Prabhas’ much-anticipated horror-comedy 'The Raja Saab' has issued a detailed statement regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding pending payments to daily wage workers. The banner backing the project also clarified the financial situation and criticised "unrelated individuals" for spreading misinformation about its internal operations.

In its official statement, released on X (formerly Twitter), People Media Factory or PMF revealed that over the past year it has disbursed approximately Rs 60 crore towards daily wage workers associated with below-the-line (BTL) and production activities. However, the company admitted that around Rs 1 crore remains payable for the schedules worked in July. The makers shared that this amount does not include monthly contract associates, who are on regular remuneration across various crafts. Payments for these contract associates, which account for an additional Rs 30 crore, are said to be fully up to date.

PMF also clarified that the Rs 60 crore figure excludes payments made to technicians, lead artists, vendors, VFX teams, and expenses related to locations. The clarification was aimed at countering allegations that the production house had failed to meet its obligations towards the workforce.

Response to federation and union leaders

Taking a firm stance, the makers criticised what they described as “self-proclaimed federation/union leaders” for making misleading public statements. The statement emphasised that PMF has no formal agreements or financial obligations with any such federations or unions, and therefore owes them no dues. While acknowledging the limited pending payments, PMF explained that as per industry practice, these were scheduled to be cleared at the commencement of the next shooting schedule.

However, due to the sudden strike by workers and the subsequent delay in resuming production, the payments were temporarily held up. They shared that the delay was not intentional but a result of logistical challenges caused by the strike.

Direct payments to worker's bank accounts

PMF said it will make all payments to workers’ bank accounts in the future, to be as transparent as possible. The production house explained that by going forward with this policy, they are eliminating practices of the intermediary-dealing representatives who are responsible for misappropriating funds, and also because it has caused problems in the past.

Speaking about the film, it is announced to hit the big screens on December 5th, however, there has been speculation that the film might be pushed to release next year. The movie stars Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar in key roles.
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