The CM also urged the industry’s top players to align with his government’s initiatives, including campaigns against drugs, promoting women’s safety, and supporting tourism projects like eco-tourism and temple tourism.
The meeting, which took place at the Integrated Command and Control Centre of Telangana Police, saw the attendance of prominent industry leaders, including actors Akkineni Nagarjuna, Daggubati Venkatesh, and director K. Raghavendra Rao, as well as political figures like Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy.
Following a stampede during the premiere of Allu Arjun-starrer Pushpa 2, where a woman lost her life, Reddy conveyed to the delegation that no further roadshows or events by actors would be permitted without police approval. He emphasised that actors should refrain from attending premieres if the police believe it could lead to a law and order issue.
The CM also highlighted that bouncers’ actions at such events would be closely monitored, and those who hire them would be held accountable for any incidents. He cautioned event managers against misleading the police regarding crowd size and venue capacity.
Addressing concerns over the industry’s treatment, Reddy clarified that there was no personal vendetta against any individual or the industry as a whole. He expressed frustration over the backlash his government and the police received following the stampede, stating, “Police had not given permission, still we were subjected to intense criticism and personal attacks.”
The meeting also saw the presentation of several proposals from the film industry delegation, including the reconsideration of benefit shows and a request for ticket price hikes.
In a post-meeting statement, Dil Raju, Chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, downplayed the significance of ticket rates in light of the CM’s broader vision for the industry. “These small things like benefit shows and ticket rates do not matter. Nearly 200 Telugu films are released every year. Telugu film industry and government will work together to take Telugu cinema to the global stage,” he said.
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