(This article is authored by Alar)

The recent demand by the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) to employ only Tamil artists in Tamil films has sparked a controversy and a debate among the film fraternity and the fans. The demand, which was aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of the workers in the Tamil film industry, was misinterpreted as a narrow-minded and exclusive approach by some.

Now actor Nassar, the head of Nadigar Sangam, has come forward to clarify the issue and appeal for unity and inclusiveness in the industry. FEFSI is an umbrella organisation that consists of 23 unions representing various technicians and workers involved in film production. The body has been facing difficulties in providing regular jobs to its members as many Tamil films are shot outside Tamil Nadu or even abroad.

To address this problem, FEFSI announced a set of new rules for its members, which includes that for Tamil films, only Tamil artists should be employed, shooting of films should happen only in Tamil Nadu as shoot should not take place in an outside state or outside country without utmost necessity, and If the shoot doesn’t complete on time or goes out of budget, written communication is to be made to producers with appropriate reasons.

However, these rules were met with criticism and opposition from some quarters, who saw them as restrictive and discriminatory. Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan, who attended the pre-release event of his upcoming film ‘Bro’, which is directed by Samuthirakani, a Tamil filmmaker, made an appeal to the Tamil film industry to be more inclusive and open-minded.

He said that Telugu cinema has prospered because it has welcomed people from all languages and regions, and that Tamil cinema should also do the same to deliver global films like ‘RRR’. He said: Pawan Kalyan’s speech went viral on social media and created a buzz among the fans and the media. Following this, Nassar issued a video statement to clear the air and explain the rationale behind the FEFSI rules. He said, "There is a piece of wrong news going around the media that actors from languages will not be encouraged in the Tamil industry. It’s misinterpreted information,"

"If this kind of resolution is taken in the Tamil film industry, I will be the first to raise my voice against it. It’s because we are now in the era of Pan-Indian films, and our Indian industry is getting globalised. Now films need actors, technicians, and talents from all places. Eventually, at this point in time, nobody will make such decisions,"

"To protect the workers in the Tamil film industry, the FEFSI has decided that the works have to be engaged in films that are shot within Tamil Nadu’s boundaries, emphasising the workers’ rights and protection." He further added, "The Tamil film industry has a long tradition of encouraging talents from other industries. It has been evident from the times of the iconic Ranga Rao, Savithri, and many others. I humbly request that my friends and brothers not take these baseless rumours seriously. We will make films together and take them globally. We can do it and have already started progressing. So let us stay united and make great films."

Nassar’s clarification has received support from many film personalities and fans, who have appreciated his balanced and sensible approach. The actor has also urged the producers and directors to follow the FEFSI rules in good faith and ensure that the workers are paid well and treated with respect.

The FEFSI rules are not new or unique to Tamil cinema. In fact, many other film industries across India have similar regulations to safeguard the interests of their local workers and artists. For instance, the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) has recently decided to consider a film made on a budget of Rs 6 crore as a small-budget film, which is entitled to various incentives by the council. The TFPC has also locked an agreement with FEFSI to resolve any disputes or issues arising during film production.