AICWA Writes To PM Modi Amid Global Economic Crisis, Urges Stars To Reconsider Huge Fees

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern over the worsening condition of workers in the Indian film industry. The association said the industry is still recovering from the heavy losses caused during the COVID-19 pandemic, where lakhs of workers, junior artists and technicians lost jobs or faced major salary cuts. In the letter, AICWA highlighted that rising fuel prices, inflation, global economic pressure and increasing production costs are creating fresh challenges for films, TV shows, web series and advertisements. The association warned that if the situation worsens, employment opportunities in the entertainment industry may reduce further and badly affect daily

wage workers.

AICWA writes to PM Modi amid global economic crisis

AICWA said in its letter that during the COVID-19 pandemic, lakhs of workers, technicians and junior artists in the Indian film industry lost jobs and faced heavy salary cuts. Many daily wage earners were forced to take up low-income jobs outside the industry to survive. The association added that several small and medium production houses shut down during the crisis, reducing employment opportunities across films, television and advertising. Even after COVID-19, the industry continues to struggle with fewer shoots, job losses and uncertainty, forcing many workers to leave the profession permanently."If the present global economic crisis and financial instability continue to worsen, the Indian film industry may witness a drastic reduction in the production of films, television serials, web series, advertising shoots and other entertainment-related projects due to rising operational costs, shrinking investments and declining financial capacity within the industry," 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 urged the government and industry stakeholders to protect workers’ salaries and jobs during this difficult period. They also requested major stars and production houses to cut unnecessary expenses to protect employment and timely payments. An excerpt read, "AICWA believes that at such a critical time, major stars, large production houses and financially stronger stakeholders of the industry should seriously reconsider excessive remuneration and non-essential expenditure so that workers’ employment, timely payments and dignity can remain protected."It also suggested giving priority to Indian shooting locations instead of foreign shoots to create more local jobs.Additionally, AICWA appealed to the Government of India and state governments to create welfare emergency funds and worker-friendly policies to support film industry workers during economic crises. The association said stronger measures are needed to avoid another economic and humanitarian crisis in the film industry.