Will help Tollywood to shift to Vizag: Ganta

Minister Ganta Srinivasa rao said that a meeting with representatives of Telugu film industry at Hyderabad is slated for tomorrow. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also may attend this meeting. He said that state government is keen to help the film industry for shifting to Vizag. He said if the industry people are ready to move into, government will provide them all necessary help and infrastructure.

Telugu Film Industry, which is feeling quite insecure after Telangana government reclaims its lands, is thinking on the same lines, but forced to cling to Hyderabad as it has dumped huge investments on studios and other facilities. Moreover, it has build from scratch that again needs huge investment. However, the veterans in the industry may agree to start constructing studios and recording theaters in and around Vizag city, if the state government assists them.

There are many other reasons that may be forcing Tollywood think about moving out of Hyderabad. Firstly, its direct political links with ruling TDP government in AP become objectionable for Telangana government. It has to pay double tax in both states now, though the income is same as before. Telangana film industry (TFI), which splits away from Tollywood, is desperate to create its own identity and development. Chief Minister KCR has agreed to build a separate film city for TFI. State government is also said to be positively responds to their plea to let Telangana producers, distributors and exhibitors to have proportionate rights, which is now being enjoyed by three or four big producers of AP. There are many other reasons that make Tollywood think for shifting out from Hyderabad, but it may stick there till alternative arrangements are made.