The All Indian Cine Workers Association (
AICWA) has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, voicing concerns regarding the deteriorating situation of workers in the Indian film sector. The association noted that the industry is still in the process of recovering from significant losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in numerous workers, junior artists, and technicians losing their jobs or experiencing substantial salary reductions. In the correspondence,
AICWA emphasized that escalating fuel prices, inflation, global economic pressures, and rising production expenses are presenting new challenges for films, television shows, web series, and advertisements. The association cautioned that if conditions continue to decline, job opportunities in the entertainment sector may diminish further, adversely impacting daily wage workers.
AICWA stated in its letter that during the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous workers, technicians, and junior artists in the Indian film industry faced job losses and significant salary cuts. Many daily wage earners were compelled to seek low-paying jobs outside the industry for survival. The association noted that several small and medium production companies closed during the crisis, leading to a decrease in job opportunities across films, television, and advertising. Even post-COVID-19, the industry continues to face challenges with fewer shoots, job losses, and uncertainty, prompting many workers to exit the profession permanently.
“If the ongoing global economic crisis and financial instability persist, the Indian film industry may experience a significant decline in the production of films, television series, web series, advertising shoots, and other entertainment-related projects due to increasing operational costs, reduced investments, and diminishing financial capacity within the sector,” they added.
All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has written a formal letter to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, regarding an urgent appeal titled:
“Protection of Workers and the Future of the Indian Film Industry Amid Growing Global Economic Crisis”
The… pic.twitter.com/3wROO2Kyrv
— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@aicwaofficial) May 21, 2026
Film stars urged to reconsider huge fees
The cinema body called on the government and industry stakeholders to safeguard workers’ salaries and jobs during this challenging time. They also urged prominent stars and production companies to
cut unnecessary expenses to ensure job security and timely payments. An excerpt stated, “AICWA believes that at such a crucial moment, major stars, large production houses, and financially robust stakeholders of the industry should earnestly reconsider excessive compensation and non-essential spending to protect workers’ employment, timely payments, and dignity.”
It also recommended prioritizing Indian shooting locations over foreign shoots to generate more local employment.
Furthermore, AICWA appealed to the Government of India and state governments to establish welfare emergency funds and worker-friendly policies to assist film industry workers during economic downturns. The association asserted that stronger actions are necessary to prevent another economic and humanitarian crisis in the film sector.
