The South Indian Actors Association (SIAA) has announced that it cannot support the film Producers Council’s proposed work stoppage scheduled for May 2. In a statement issued in Chennai, the association said the strike decision was passed by citing “baseless allegations” against SIAA, which it described as shocking and deeply painful.
SIAA said it has repeatedly sought an amicable, structured resolution to producers’ issues through meetings and has continued to extend support in finding solutions. Against that backdrop, it said the unilateral strike announcement was regrettable.
The association reiterated that it has never supported the approach of a work stoppage, arguing that such action would affect the livelihoods of actors and other artists. It also noted that there is no legal provision for SIAA to instruct its members to participate in a strike.
SIAA further said that about a year ago, it had finalised and submitted a draft memorandum of understanding aimed at creating a cooperative environment between Tamil producers and actors, but there has been no progress since. It added that complaints raised earlier by its side remain unresolved.
Calling on the Producers Council to withdraw the strike notice, SIAA suggested that, as previously agreed between the two bodies, representatives could meet after the Assembly election results are announced on May 4 to decide the next steps. It also urged the Producers Council to retract, ahead of any meeting, any recent resolutions or press-related messages circulating in media and social platforms that portray SIAA and its members as the sole cause of industry problems, if those claims are inaccurate.
