Pawan Kalyan Criticizes Tollywood; Allu Aravind Breaks Silence on Theatre Controversy
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed strong dissatisfaction over the Telugu film industry’s failure to pay a courtesy visit to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, even after a year of the coalition government being in power. He sharply questioned whether the film fraternity had forgotten how the coalition government supported the industry that was harassed under the previous administration. Pawan Kalyan warned that the government would respond in kind to such a lack of acknowledgment from the industry.
Known for his consistent support toward the Telugu film industry, Pawan Kalyan’s sudden outburst created a stir within Tollywood. His criticism gained further attention as it coincided with the planned release of his film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, during which a decision to shut down theatres was announced. This led to speculation about deeper issues within the industry.
In this context, veteran producer Allu Aravind addressed the media today. He criticized the decision to close theatres during the release of Pawan Kalyan’s film, calling it reckless. “Pawan Kalyan is someone who supports the film industry,” said Allu Aravind, while pointing out that no representatives from any cinema-related organizations had met with the Andhra Pradesh government leaders.
Responding to those claiming the government has no connection to these matters, Allu Aravind questioned why the same individuals met leaders of the previous government. “It was because they were facing difficulties that they approached the then Chief Minister,” he said. “Even today, there are many problems in the film industry. Everyone should sit down and discuss what needs to be done. If there are issues among producers, distributors, and exhibitors, they should be resolved through dialogue,” he advised.
Allu Aravind clarified that he does not attend the regular Film Chamber meetings but affirmed that he would fully support the industry if any serious issues arise. Referring to speculation that the industry is controlled by a group of four people, he firmly denied his involvement. “I am not one of those four; I have distanced myself,” he stated. “That group of four has now become ten, and I request the media not to include me among them.”
He emphasized his long-standing involvement in filmmaking, spanning 50 years, and noted that he does not lease even a single theatre in Telangana. Out of 1,500 theatres in Andhra Pradesh, he currently has only 15, which he is gradually relinquishing. “I have instructed my staff not to renew the leases after they expire,” he revealed.
Regarding the theatre shutdown, Allu Aravind said he believes the Andhra Pradesh minister’s remarks on the issue were reasonable. He also disclosed that although three meetings were held concerning the theatres, he did not attend any of them and had advised his associates to do the same. He questioned how anyone could unilaterally declare a shutdown from the first of the month. “Are they trying to intimidate Pawan Kalyan by threatening to shut down theatres?” he asked in frustration.