Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, gave a strong message to Tollywood. In his statement, the actor-turned-politician said that the coalition government under N. Chandrababu Naidu was formed almost a year ago, but the Tollywood film industry still hasn’t met the Chief Minister. “You have all forgotten how the previous government ill-treated some of the top personalities of Tollywood,” he said in a statement.
“From now onwards, the government has decided not to meet any individual persons from Tollywood. You have to come as a representation, as there are bodies and associations in Tollywood,” the statement from the Deputy Chief Minister clarified. He remarked satirically that he is now taking the “return gift” from Tollywood.
His film ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ is scheduled to hit the screens on June 12, and it is known that some theatre owners called for a bandh starting June 1. Though the bandh has now been postponed, the Deputy Chief Minister accused certain top individuals from the industry of being behind this development.
Like the Tourism industry, the Deputy Chief Minister wants to come up with a policy for the Tollywood industry too. “But the Telugu Film Industry has not responded properly and didn’t show basic gratitude towards the government,” said the Deputy CM’s office in a statement.
Earlier, a few producers had approached Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh regarding a ticket price hike, and he responded positively. “But now, we don’t want to entertain individuals,” the DCM stated clearly. The DCM has ordered an inquiry into theatre management practices and how audiences, who are spending a lot of money on tickets, are being treated in Andhra Pradesh. “Food items are more expensive than the ticket itself, and even a water bottle is a costly affair. Actually, theatre management should provide drinking water and maintain hygienic conditions. To ensure this, the Deputy Chief Minister has asked the concerned authorities to conduct proper checks in all theatres,” the statement said. Officials informed the DCM that most theatres are on lease and not run by the actual owners. “When film ticket prices are hiked, are they paying the appropriate taxes to the government? Authorities will check this,” said the statement.
TFCC Clarifies No theatre shutdown from June 1
In the meantime, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has clearly stated that theatres will not shut down from June 1. “I don’t know where everyone got the news, but it is completely wrong. The theatres will run and not shut down. We are going to meet the exhibitors (theatre owners), distributors, and producers on May 30 and discuss a few things. We will come up with a solution,” said Damodara Prasad, Secretary, TFCC.
He urged everyone not to spread rumours regarding this sensitive issue. “If anything comes officially from our TFCC or any other affiliated body from the Telugu Film Industry, please follow their statements. Don’t spread rumours,” he said.
