December 26, 2024: The Telugu film industry’s leaders met with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy on Thursday, amidst the Puspha 2, stampede row, to discuss their future plans and potential collaboration. This turned out to be the most anticipated showdown between the Government and the film fraternity to calm down the ongoing disagreement about the stampede and who is to blame? the star or the police authority.
The meeting, which included prominent figures such as producer Dil Raju and several other industry stalwarts, signaled a clear shift towards making Hyderabad a major international film hub.
Dil Raju, recently appointed Chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation (FDC), shed light on the discussions. While the spotlight was on the state’s film ambitions, Raju subtly touched upon the ongoing controversy surrounding the Pushpa 2 stampede incident that has been a topic of intense scrutiny in the media.
Telugu cinema, once a regional power, has now firmly established itself as a national force, with a growing fanbase across the country. CM Revanth Reddy emphasized that Hyderabad should be at the forefront of global cinema, suggesting that not only local but international films should also consider the city as their primary shooting destination.
“The Telugu film industry has gained nationwide recognition, and now it’s time for us to take this to the global stage,” Raju told reporters. “The Chief Minister’s vision is clear: he wants Hyderabad to be a hub for international content, and the Film Development Corporation will soon submit a proposal for this goal.”
The ambitious plans to make Hyderabad a global center for films come as the state government works to create an environment that attracts international film productions. The FDC’s proposal, expected soon, will detail how the city can become a magnet for international film shoots, bolstering both the economy and the state’s cultural significance.
Addressing Public Safety and Industry Responsibility: Film Industry, Telangana CM Revanth Partner for Change
The meeting wasn’t without its tensions, however. CM Revanth Reddy expressed concern over public safety, especially after the recent Pushpa 2 stampede incident. While he didn’t mention Allu Arjun’s film by name, it was clear that the CM was addressing issues related to crowd management at public events.
Reddy called on the Telugu film industry to take more responsibility for crowd control, insisting that celebrities and their private security teams, often hired for high-profile events, must work in harmony with the police to ensure safety. The CM Revanth also pointed out that some incidents involving reckless behavior by private security personnel had led to a breakdown in public order.
“The safety of the public is just as much the responsibility of film personalities as it is of the police,” Revanth Reddy said. “Private security firms employed by high-profile actors, like those seen at recent events, have sometimes escalated situations unnecessarily.”
In a significant policy shift, CM Revanth Reddy confirmed that there would be no more permits for special screenings or benefit shows for films in the state. He also clarified that ticket prices for films would be closely monitored and would not be allowed to rise without proper regulation.
This move comes as part of an effort to streamline the film industry’s operations and ensure fairness. Reddy emphasized that these measures were in line with his broader goal of creating a socially responsible industry.
“We need to ensure that our industry also plays a role in raising awareness about social issues such as drug abuse, women’s safety, and other concerns,” he added.
Unity Amidst Challenges
Despite the ongoing controversies, Dil Raju, a key figure in the meeting, pushed back against questions about the Pushpa 2 stampede incident, downplaying its significance. He urged the media to focus on the bigger picture: making Hyderabad a global film hub.
“Let’s not get bogged down by minor issues like ticket hikes and Sankranthi movie releases,” Raju said. “We have a much bigger challenge ahead. Time will address these smaller concerns later.”
As the meeting with CM Revanth concluded, it was clear that the Telugu film industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, aiming to establish Hyderabad as a key player on the international cinematic stage. The collaboration between the film industry and the Telangana government will likely have a lasting impact on both sectors.
Attendees at the Meeting
Several major figures from the Telugu film industry attended the meeting with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, signaling strong support for the government’s vision. Key attendees included Allu Aravind, Harish Shankar, Prasanth Varma, Vamshi Paidipally, Anil Ravipudi, Koratala Siva, Nagarjuna, and Venkatesh, among others.