Grand AP FDC Swearing-In Ceremony Held in Vijayawada in Presence of Balakrishna & Kandula Durgesh
A grand and prestigious ceremony was organized in Vijayawada to mark the swearing-in and assumption of office of the newly appointed members of the Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation (AP FDC). The event witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities from the Telugu film industry, political leaders, producers, distributors, exhibitors, and representatives from various film associations.
Actor and Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna attended the ceremony as the chief guest, alongside Andhra Pradesh Minister for Cinematography, Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh. Newly appointed AP FDC Chairman Bharath Bhushan, along with other members, officially took oath and assumed their responsibilities amid a celebratory atmosphere.
Speaking at the event, AP FDC Chairman Bharath Bhushan expressed heartfelt gratitude to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Kandula Durgesh for entrusting him with the prestigious responsibility. He assured that he would work with complete dedication in alignment with the state government’s vision for the development of the film industry in Andhra Pradesh.
Recalling the immense contribution of legendary actor and former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) toward strengthening Telugu cinema in 1984, Bharath Bhushan stated that the current government, under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu and with the encouragement of Balakrishna, is once again taking significant steps to rebuild a strong film ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. He added that with the support of Pawan Kalyan and Kandula Durgesh, the AP FDC would actively work toward creating better opportunities and infrastructure for the industry.
Veteran actor Suman Talwar expressed happiness and pride over being personally invited by Balakrishna to contribute toward the development of Andhra Pradesh’s film sector. He fondly remembered the efforts made by NTR in establishing film studios despite numerous challenges and expressed confidence that Amaravati has the potential to emerge as a major filmmaking hub similar to Hyderabad. Suman also stressed the need to protect distributors, revive theatres, and encourage more film shootings across Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the state’s scenic beauty and vast infrastructure potential.
Actress and television personality Jhansi described it as an honor to work alongside experienced personalities associated with AP FDC. She praised Chandrababu Naidu’s earlier initiatives that contributed to the growth of the Telugu film industry during the united Andhra Pradesh era and expressed confidence that similar progress would soon be witnessed again in Andhra Pradesh.
Director Meher Ramesh stated that it was a privilege to be selected as part of AP FDC and assured that all members would work collectively and responsibly for the growth of cinema and entertainment in the state. He also appreciated Pawan Kalyan’s passion and commitment toward cinema, arts, and culture.
Writer Borra Sai Madhav remarked that the positions given to them were not merely honorary posts but major responsibilities. He assured that all newly appointed members would sincerely work toward the development of cinema, television, theatre, and cultural sectors in Andhra Pradesh.
Representing the theatre fraternity, Kandimalla Sambasiva Rao paid tribute to NTR and highlighted his immense love and respect for theatre arts. He urged the government to continue supporting artists and cultural celebrations across the state and thanked the Andhra Pradesh government for giving him the opportunity to serve in AP FDC.
Director-producer Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao called it a proud moment to participate in such a prestigious event held in the birthplace region of NTR. He announced plans to establish a film studio in Amaravati and develop theatres across the state with government support. He further revealed that several films are expected to be shot along the scenic banks of the Krishna River this year and expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh would soon regain its cinematic glory.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Kandula Durgesh thanked Balakrishna for attending the event as chief guest and congratulated all the newly appointed chairman and members of AP FDC. He stated that the previous government had neglected the film and arts sectors, but after the coalition government came to power in 2024, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan have been actively focusing on the development of cinema, arts, and culture in Andhra Pradesh with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The minister further announced that the government is committed to reviving prestigious initiatives such as the Nandi Awards and creating world-class infrastructure for film production and shootings in Andhra Pradesh. He added that filmmakers from various industries are already showing keen interest in shooting films in the state due to its beautiful locations and rapidly improving facilities.
Concluding the event, Nandamuri Balakrishna congratulated all the newly appointed AP FDC members and emphasized the collective responsibility of rebuilding and strengthening the Telugu film industry in Andhra Pradesh. He noted that Andhra Pradesh has always played a vital role in Telugu cinema collections and possesses several outstanding shooting locations across the state.
Balakrishna assured that both the government and the people of Andhra Pradesh would extend complete support for film shootings and industry development. He urged all AP FDC members to utilize their experience effectively, work toward reviving theatres, encourage quality cinema, and contribute actively to the growth of Telugu cinema in the state. He concluded by expressing strong confidence that Andhra Pradesh would soon emerge as a major filmmaking destination with continuous encouragement for cinema, arts, and culture.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Telugu film industry, members of film associations, the Producers Council, distributors, exhibitors, and artists and technicians from all 24 crafts, who extended their heartfelt wishes and congratulations to the newly appointed AP FDC members.