Set up film schools in Andhra Pradesh: Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to Tollywood
RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan emotionally appealed to the Telugu film industry elders to come to Andhra Pradesh, explore good locations for film shooting, and set up film schools.
The State government, headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, will stand by the Telugu film industry, and resolve all issues being confronted by it, he promised.
Participating in the pre-release event of Ram Charan starrer ‘Game Changer’ at Vemagiri on Saturday, he said, “We have good locations at Mummidivaram, Godavari River, Parvathipuram, Gandikota and others. Why do not you make films at the scenic locations in AP?”
He pointed out that the entire film industry did not support the NDA alliance in the last elections. “But we never showed bias against them. I am of the view that there is no need for heroes to come to the government seeking benefits to the film industry. It is the duty of producers and directors to approach the government,” he said.
Making it clear that the TDP-led NDA government is ready to talk with the film industry elders on the issues being faced by them, he promised to look into the issues with a holistic approach. “Our Telugu film industry is flourishing because of Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu, NTR, ANR, Krishna, Shoban Babu and Chiranjeevi,” he said. “We are not interested in attributing motives and political colour to Telugu film industry. We view it as a Telugu film industry. We never look the industry with a partial attitude,” he asserted.
The NDA government in the State will respond positively to the pleas of the film industry for the ticket price hike of big budget films and benefit shows at the time of new releases to encourage the industry.
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“Producers invest a huge amount in making films. There is nothing wrong in hiking ticket price as 18% of the revenue will go to GST,” he said.
Tourism and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh urged the film industry to set up film studios in AP. The State government is planning to come up with a film policy on the lines of tourism policy. Both Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan are ready to hold talks with the film industry elders. You are always welcome to discuss the issues with us. We heartily welcome the film industry explore the resources in Andhra Pradesh to make films,” he said.
Ram Charan described Pawan Kalyan as not only the Game Changer of Andhra politics but also Indian politics, and sought his uncle’s blessings for the success of ‘Game Changer’.
Film producer Dil Raju thanked the government for giving permission for screening benefit shows, and hiking the ticket prices.