Case Against Makers of Balakrishna, Anushka Films

Sometimes success can haunt you. And it is the case with Balakrishna-starrer Gautamiputra Satkarni and Anushka-starrer Rudrama Devi. Both are historical movies and have made good business due to their content.

However, at the time of their release, both films got heavy concessions from state governments due to the nature of their storyline. The producers had approached the governments of Telugu-speaking states, and they were immediately given subsidies.

Both films went on to pull audiences to the theatres, and the producers went home with profits despite the huge canvass of the films. But now, the production houses that have made the films are in a fix.

Following a complaint lodged by Movie Viewers’ Association, the court has ordered summons to the producers. MVA’s argument is that despite getting heavy subsidies, this was not passed on to the viewers in terms of reduction in ticket rates. While Gautamiputra Satkarni got subsidies from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments, Rudrama Devi got them from the Telangana government.

Since the films highlighted the history of Telugu people, both films were given special treatment. At the time, there were arguments that the ticket rates of the films did not reflect the special subsidies they received. Finally, now the court has issued notices to First Frame Entertainments that made Gautamiputra Satkarni and Guna Team Works that made Rudramadevi.