In a high-profile meeting with the Telugu film industry on Thursday, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy firmly rejected calls for increased concessions for movie screenings and ticket price hikes for new releases. The nearly 40-member delegation, comprising top actors, directors, and producers, was told to align with the law and respect state regulations.
The meeting comes in the wake of a stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2 starring Allu Arjun, which tragically resulted in the death of a woman. Addressing this, the CM stated that roadshows and high-profile appearances by actors during premieres will require police clearance to avoid potential law and order issues.
“The safety and security of citizens is paramount,” the CM emphasized, urging actors and event organizers to cooperate with the authorities. He made it clear that any violations, including the misuse of passes and overcapacity crowds, would result in accountability for both event managers and personal security teams, including bouncers.
CM Reddy also outlined expectations from the Telugu film industry in supporting government initiatives. He called on actors and filmmakers to actively participate in campaigns against drugs, promote women’s safety, and support state-backed projects such as ecotourism and temple tourism.
“The film industry has a significant influence on public behavior and attitudes. It is only fair that this power is used to promote positive social initiatives,” Reddy remarked.
Dispelling allegations of bias or revenge against actor Allu Arjun or the film industry, the CM stated that his actions were solely guided by public interest. He noted that the criticism directed at the government and the police over the stampede was unwarranted, particularly as the police had not granted permission for the event.
“We were subjected to personal attacks and criticism despite our consistent stance. The tragedy of a woman losing her life escalated the situation, and we cannot compromise on public safety,” he asserted.
The film industry delegation, which included Allu Arjun’s father and veteran producer Allu Aravind, listened to the CM’s concerns and assured their cooperation. While no immediate concessions were granted, the meeting is expected to set the tone for better collaboration between the government and Tollywood in the future.
The meeting highlights a pivotal moment for the Telugu film industry as it balances artistic expression with social responsibility and legal compliance. With CM Reddy’s firm stance, the focus shifts to how Tollywood can adapt to these directives while continuing to thrive as a cornerstone of Indian cinema.
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