Amravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], May 24 : The Andhra Pradesh government has been committed to granting industry status to the Telugu film sector and supporting its growth while ensuring respect and dignity for its members, according to a release from the office of Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.
According to the release, despite this, the Telugu film industry has shown little regard or gratitude toward the state government. Not once in the past year have any of the industry associations paid a formal visit to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Apart from seeking government support during their film releases, they have made no collective effort toward industry development. Even after Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's appeal for unity and coordinated dialogue, the response has been disappointing.
The release noted that it appears that associations like the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, Producers' Council, and Movie Artists Association have forgotten the mistreatment they received from the previous government -- the harassment of top actors and technicians, and the systemic roadblocks they faced. The NDA coalition, even before the elections, had made it clear that it would support creative enterprises and safeguard the dignity of individuals in the industry.
"Unlike the previous government, which targeted individuals and indulged in vendetta politics -- including deploying revenue officials to theaters during film releases to obstruct screenings -- the current coalition has taken a non-discriminatory approach. For example, the government duly supported even a film related to the Akkineni family. The coalition's policy is to ensure that systems are robust and that those depending on them do not suffer," said the release.
As per the release, the Deputy Chief Minister questioned why filmmakers continue to approach the Cinematography Department individually to request ticket price hikes. He advised that collective representation would be more effective. He acknowledged suggestions made by prominent producers such as Dil Raju, Allu Aravind, D. Suresh Babu, Y. Supriya, Chinababu, C. Ashwini Dutt, and Naveen Yerneni -- who proposed a unified approach to enhance the industry's development. Despite these efforts, individual requests continue.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has decided to graciously accept the "return gift" given by some from the Telugu film industry and has expressed his thanks. From now on, personal appeals or negotiations will no longer be entertained. Only designated representatives will engage with the concerned departments, and their appeals will be routed accordingly.
After having declared tourism as an industry, the state government now plans to introduce a special policy for the film sector as well. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan will discuss this with CM Chandrababu Naidu and later announce a Comprehensive Film Development Policy.
Under the supervision of the Deputy CM, discussions are already underway with concerned departments regarding issues faced by the film sector, including the influence of exhibitor-distributor cartels, revenue transparency, and audience amenities.
Officials noted that leaseholders run most theatres rather than the actual owners. The Deputy CM has directed the Tax Department to investigate whether appropriate taxes are being paid, particularly when ticket prices are increased. Revenue from theatres in the Rayalaseema districts was also reviewed to assess discrepancies between ticket sales and reported tax income.
Additionally, local authorities will monitor sanitation and hygiene in theatres. The government has received numerous complaints from the public about overpriced food and beverages in theatres and a lack of basic facilities like drinking water. To address these issues, Weights & Measures officers and food inspectors will conduct regular checks to ensure better services for the public.
The Cinematography Department has been asked to submit a report on the number of multiplex-level theatres in the state. In some towns, single-screen theatres have been split into two or three screens and operate like multiplexes. The government is examining whether there's a price variation between tickets at multiplexes and single-screen theatres, and how much is actually being charged at the counter.
Special attention will be paid to multiplexes in cities like Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Rajamahendravaram, Guntur, Kakinada, and Tirupati-- especially concerning ticket prices and food costs.
Through the Comprehensive Film Development Policy, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan envisions nurturing skills across 24 departments within the film industry -- from pre-production to distribution. This includes a focus on advanced technologies and continuous upskilling of both existing professionals and aspiring youth.
The government plans to conduct regular training camps, seminars, and symposiums across the state to support this vision. Instead of fostering monopolies, the goal is to broaden opportunities and attract more investment into the sector. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan firmly believes that this approach will lay a strong foundation for the film industry's growth in Andhra Pradesh.