A group of filmmakers from Seemandhra will submit a memorandum to the
A.K. Antony Committee, which is looking into the issues arising out of
the state’s bifurcation, urging for the establishment of a film studio
(like the government-owned Film City in Chennai and Mumbai) and other
infrastructure facilities in the new state since the status of Hyderabad hangs in balance.
The defence minister has reportedly agreed to meet the Tollywood
delegation on September 3 or 4 and has sought a “blueprint” of their
demands. Along with Vizag, the filmmakers want to make Vijayawada,
Tirupati and other centres
shooting destinations. They will also request the Committee not to allot
land or studios to those who already own them and to sanction the same
to genuine filmmakers.
“Along with bifurcation of water and power,
we want Tollywood’s concerns to be addressed since it’s a Rs 800-crore
industry and we need a parallel film capital in Andhra region.
We would prefer a separate Film Development Corporation to support and
encourage filmmakers of that region,” says producer Natti Kumar who is
spearheading the campaign of protecting the interests of 600-odd
Seemandhra producers.
When asked whether the move is intended to counter the Telangana Cinema
Task Force, he says, “We have no issues with the plans of the Telangana
film fraternity, in fact we think that expansion of the industry is the
only way out to nullify this bifurcation affect.”
The filmmakers have also sought the support of Seemandhra political
leaders like Lagadapati Rajagopal, Eras Pratap Reddy and Kavuri
Sambasiva Rao to extend their support in developing proper facilities in
the region. “We definitely have strong political support since they
realise the importance of establishing a parallel film capital to enable
filmmakers of the 13 districts to do their work peacefully. We are drafting a water-tight blue print besides making trade bodies in Vijayawada and Tirupati more vibrant,” adds Natti Kumar.
Another Andhra-based producer says on condition of anonymity: “We would
also request Mr Antony and the proposed new government to avoid the
names of existing studio owners and allot land to new producers and
avoid monopoly even in the Andhra region.”
Natti Kumar adds, “We don’t want a repeat of the improper allotment
of the 1980s when the industry shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad. Even
though the AP government allotted 66 acres for housing and
infrastructure development, most of the 550-odd house owners were not active film producers. A few producers misused the land allotted and turned it into commercial use.”
