HYDERABAD: In a major announcement for the Telugu Film Industry (TFI), Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday said his government would bring in legal provisions mandating that 20% of the profits from films that receive permission for ticket price hikes be contributed to a soon-to-be-constituted ‘Workers’ Welfare Fund’.
Speaking at a massive felicitation event organised by the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation and 24 Crafts Unions at the Police Grounds in Yousufguda, the chief minister also announced a one-time government contribution of `10 crore towards the fund to support needy workers.
The government, he said, would also establish a school for the children of film workers, providing free breakfast and lunch to students up to Class 12. He urged industry representatives to identify land, preferably in Krishna Nagar, for the proposed school, which would function at corporate standards. He also announced free medical services for film workers and their families under the Aarogyasri scheme.
Without directly referring to the upcoming Jubilee Hills bypoll, the chief minister said he was fulfilling the ‘dharma of friendship’, likening himself to Karna from the Mahabharata. “I know how hard you work — day and night, without rest. Your dedication is the backbone of Telugu cinema,” the chief minister told the cheering crowd of producers, directors and technicians.
Additionally, Revanth said land would be allotted within Bharat Future City for the film industry’s stunt department to train fighters and stunt artistes. The government, he added, was also ready to provide financial aid for constructing a Film Workers’ Association building and would address housing issues faced by TFI workers.
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Revanth said producer Dil Raju had been appointed Chairman of the Film Development Corporation to act as a bridge between the government and the industry. “Dr Prabhakar Reddy once donated 10 acres in Manikonda for film workers. Following that spirit, our government will continue to stand by you,” he said.
Highlighting his government’s cultural initiatives, the chief minister said the Nandi Awards had been revived as the Gaddar Awards in honour of revolutionary balladeer Gaddar, celebrating the contributions of those who helped Telugu cinema earn global recognition.
Pledging equal importance to the film industry alongside IT and pharma sectors, Revanth said, “Our Telangana Rising 2047 plan will include a dedicated chapter for the Telugu Film Industry.”