No More Personal Appeals, Only Official Channels: Pawan Kalyan Warns Film Fraternity
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has expressed strong displeasure over the conduct of key figures in the Telugu film industry. Speaking critically, he questioned why prominent film personalities have not made a courtesy call on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, even though it has been nearly a year since the formation of the coalition government in the state. Pawan Kalyan asked whether the industry had already forgotten the difficulties it faced under the previous government, especially the harassment of top actors and producers.
He clarified that the current administration is focused not on individuals, but on the holistic development of the film industry. Responding sternly to the film fraternity’s recent approach, he stated, “I will accept this ‘return gift’ from the industry in an appropriate manner.” An official press release was issued by the Deputy Chief Minister’s office outlining these remarks.
His comments have gained significance in the context of recent events involving exhibitors and distributors, who had earlier warned of shutting down theatres from June 1 due to unmet demands. However, following discussions at the Film Chamber, they later withdrew the warning.
Addressing past issues, Pawan Kalyan said, “While the government is trying to develop the film industry and ensure respect for those working in it, the Telugu film community has failed to show even basic courtesy or gratitude towards the government. Despite the NDA coalition government being in place for almost a year, not even a single prominent film personality has visited Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Except for approaching the government during film releases, the industry has not made any effort to contribute to its development.”
He added, “Even though I appealed for unity, there was no positive response. It seems everyone has forgotten how the previous government humiliated top actors and technicians. That administration acted on personal bias, making it extremely difficult for producers whose work it disliked. Have producers forgotten the challenges they faced during those times?”
Pawan Kalyan made it clear that there will be no more room for personal appeals. “When prominent producers like Dil Raju, Allu Aravind, D. Suresh Babu, Y. Supriya, Chinababu, C. Ashwini Dutt, and Naveen Yerneni met me, I told them that collective action would lead to industry-wide growth. Yet, each of them continues to submit individual petitions to the Cinematography Department asking for ticket price hikes. Though the government has responded positively, I will now treat this ‘return gift’ accordingly. From now on, there will be no scope for personal discussions or appeals. I will only engage with official representatives of relevant departments and forward concerns to the appropriate channels,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also reviewed the management of theatres and facilities available to moviegoers across the state. He focused on public complaints concerning overpriced snacks and beverages, lack of proper drinking water facilities, and inadequate maintenance. Pawan Kalyan stated that operations of multiplexes in cities including Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Rajamahendravaram, Guntur, Kakinada, and Tirupati will be monitored with special attention to ticket pricing and food costs. He is also reportedly considering targeted initiatives to promote skill development and the adoption of modern technology across 24 segments within the film industry.