Gratitude from the Pawan Kalyan for the Return Gift from Telugu Film Industry in Rayalaseema
Although the NDA coalition government in Andhra Pradesh is about to complete one year, have representatives of Telugu film associations respectfully met the Honorable Chief Minister even once?
It seems they have forgotten how the previous government mistreated the film industry and leading actors.
From now on, there will be no personal discussions with the government… Only representatives of the film associations should come.
The coalition government focuses on the development of the film industry, not individuals.
The Andhra Pradesh government is committed to granting industry status to the Telugu film sector and promoting its growth while respecting the dignity of those involved. However, so far, there has been no sign of even minimal respect or gratitude from the Telugu film community towards the Andhra Pradesh government. Despite the NDA coalition government nearing its first anniversary, the Telugu film associations have not respectfully met the Honorable Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu even once. Apart from the government stepping forward during the release of their films, they have not collectively come forward to discuss the development of the film industry. Even though Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan suggested that everyone should come together, there was no positive response.
Mistreatment by the Previous Government
The film associations such as the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, Producers Council, and Movie Artists Association seem to have forgotten how the previous government humiliated top actors and technical experts in the film industry. The coalition parties clearly stated before elections that films made with investments of crores of rupees should receive all possible encouragement, and the dignity of those involved in this creative business must be protected.
The previous government worked based on favoritism, focusing on individuals. Producers remember well how officials caused trouble by stationing tahsildars near theaters during the release of films they disliked. Before the elections, as per the instructions of Shri Chandrababu Naidu and Shri Pawan Kalyan, the coalition government did not focus on individuals. Even when films from the Akkineni Nagarjuna family were released, the Andhra Pradesh government encouraged them appropriately. The government policy is to maintain the system and ensure that those relying on it are not harassed.
Why do people from the Telugu film industry personally come during their film release times to request an increase in ticket prices? Shri Pawan Kalyan suggested that everyone should come together and have clear discussions with the government. When producers like Shri Dil Raju, Shri Allu Arvind, Shri D. Suresh Babu, Smt. Y. Supriya, Shri Chinababu, Shri C. Ashwinedath, and Shri Naveen Erneni meet, and everyone acts collectively, the industry can develop. However, still, individuals come separately to the Cinematography Department to request ticket price hikes for their films. The government has been responding positively to such requests.
Acceptance of Return Gift… Special Policy for Film Industry
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan has decided to appropriately accept the return gift given by some members of the Telugu film industry to him, who is considering granting industry status to the film sector. He expressed gratitude for this return gift. From now on, personal petitions and discussions will not be entertained. Discussions will only be held with representatives of the relevant departments, and matters will be forwarded to the concerned authorities.
The coalition government in the state has granted industry status to the tourism sector and announced policies accordingly. Similarly, Shri Pawan Kalyan is thinking of bringing a special policy for the development of the film industry. He plans to discuss this with the Honorable Chief Minister and subsequently announce a comprehensive film development policy.
Inspection of Theater Revenues
Under the supervision of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan, discussions have taken place with relevant departments regarding the development of the film sector. They discussed the operations of exhibitors and distributors as a group, the amount paid by audiences, the facilities provided in return, and related issues.
Officials noted that theaters are not run by the actual owners but are mostly under lessees. It was directed that the tax department should examine whether taxes from lessees are collected properly and if the tax revenue increased proportionally with the ticket price hikes for various films. Discussions were held on the income from theaters in Rayalaseema districts. It was decided to check the difference between ticket sale revenue and tax revenue. Similarly, the sanitation conditions of cinema halls across the state will be monitored by local authorities.
Frequent complaints from the audience include the high prices of snacks and beverages in cinema halls and inadequate drinking water facilities. These issues will be regularly monitored. Officers such as municipal officials and food inspectors will conduct inspections to ensure better services for viewers. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan will soon discuss these matters with the Minister of Public Utilities Shri Nadendla Manohar, Cinematography Minister Shri Kandula Durgesh, and ministers of Home, Commercial Taxes, and Revenue departments.
Number of Multiplexes in the State
The Cinematography Department officials have already been asked to report on the number of multiplex-level cinema halls in the state. In some towns, single-screen theaters have been divided into two or three screens and run as multiplexes. An inspection is underway regarding the ticket prices in these multiplexes and whether they differ from single-screen theater ticket prices, and what prices are charged at the counters. Attention will be given to the management and ticket and food prices of multiplexes in cities like Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Rajahmundry, Guntur, Kakinada, and Tirupati.
Industry Development through Skill Enhancement
Through the comprehensive film development policy, Shri Pawan Kalyan is considering focusing on skill development in 24 departments, from film creation to commerce, and the use of advanced technology in Andhra Pradesh.
Not only granting industry status but also regularly organizing necessary camps, seminars, and symposiums to develop skills among youth and those already working in the film industry is planned extensively in Andhra Pradesh.
The film industry can grow as a true industry only if opportunities are provided to many rather than monopolizing various sectors from studios to cinema halls.
Shri Pawan Kalyan has thought along these lines.
He is paving the way for the development of the film sector in Andhra Pradesh through a comprehensive film development policy.
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