Actress Alleges Coercion and Threats by Casting Director Over Unpaid Dues in Telugu Film Project
A female actor based in Hyderabad has lodged a police complaint accusing a casting director of harassment, cheating, and criminal intimidation following a dispute over unpaid wages for work on an upcoming Telugu film.
According to the complaint filed at Banjara Hills Police Station on June 12, the veteran performer, who has been active in the film industry for about 15 years, detailed a series of alleged incidents involving the casting director identified as Prasad. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and initiated an investigation.
The actor stated that in October 2025, Prasad contacted her through a common acquaintance and offered her a role in the film Akasham Lo Oka Tara, directed by Pavan Sadineni. The project features Dulquer Salmaan and Satvika Veeravalli in lead roles and is produced by Sandeep Gunnam and Ramya Gunnam under the banner Lightbox Media.
She worked on the production from October 21 to December 9, 2025, and was promised a remuneration of ₹90,000 along with ₹38,000 for cab expenses. However, the payment was repeatedly delayed. On February 18, 2026, Prasad reportedly asked her to meet him near Dil Raju’s office in Sagar Society, Banjara Hills.
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Instead of settling the dues, the actor alleged that Prasad threatened her, forced her into his car, and behaved inappropriately, suggesting better career opportunities in exchange for her compliance. She managed to escape the situation.
Subsequently, when her mother reached out to Prasad regarding the pending payment, he allegedly responded with abusive language. He reportedly boasted about similar conduct with other women, claimed to have earned around ₹3 crore through such means, and asserted that no action could be taken against him. The complainant further alleged threats to kill both her and her mother if they continued pursuing the matter.
Banjara Hills police have booked the case under Sections 75, 79, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation has been assigned to Sub-Inspector K. Vijay. No arrests have been made so far, and inquiries are continuing.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns within the film industry regarding professional conduct, payment disputes, and the safety of artists, particularly women. Authorities are expected to examine all available evidence as the probe progresses.