Andhra is one of the key contributor for the revenues of the Telugu Film Industry. The industry is fully located in Hyderabad and ever since the Bifurcation, there are demands that the industry is relocated to Andhra.
Since then, whenever industry people go to the Governments of Andhra Pradesh for Ticket Prices and Special Shows permission, it is quite common that the Chief Ministers request the industry to shift to AP promising lands and incentives.
But then the recent Allu Arjun issue should be an Eye-opener for the industry. In a Pressmeet, Producer Naga Vamsi was asked about shifting to Andhra and he casually said I have my house here and what will I do going to Andhra.
Even though it was a casual comment, it indicates the mindset of the industry. Andhra is too far from giving the comfort and Luxury available in Hyderabad.
Moreover, we have seen the industry people go to Revanth Reddy and talk big of making huge investments in Hyderabad to make the city a hub for International Cinema.
Even though the statements are also far-fetched, it is evident that any further investments of the industry are likely only in Hyderabad due to the ‘comfort factor‘ and also because the assets of the industry people and their interests lie in Hyderabad.
So Andhra Politicians should come into the Reality and stop selling the dreams of industry coming to the state.
Instead they should ensure more shootings happen in Andhra with special incentives linked to shooting portions in AP. Also, they should promote investments like Film Studios etc in AP.
Instead of this industry shifting to AP, the Politicians should focus more on increasing the film activity in AP.
There is a catch in this too. The lands and incentives should be given not based on reputation but realistic targets of investments like how other industries are given.
The quantum of investments should be clearly defined in the MOUs and proper Timelines should be set for the fulfillment and lands should be taken back in case they are not adhered to. Only then there is a chance of film activity in Andhra Pradesh.
