Nearly 50 representatives of the Telugu film industry including actors Nagarjuna and Venkatesh, and producers Allu Aravind and Suresh Babu, met Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on December 26 to discuss film industry-related issues. The meeting assumes significance in the wake of a row over the stampede at a theatre during the premiere of Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule early this month, which claimed the life of a woman and critically injured her son.
The delegation led by Telangana State Film Development Corporation chairman and well-known producer ‘Dil’ Raju called on CM Revanth at the Police Command and Control Room in Banjara Hills.
The film industry representatives who met the Chief Minister include Allu Arjun's father and producer Allu Aravind, leading actors Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, veteran actor Murali Mohan, filmmakers Raghavendra Rao, C Kalyan, BVN Prasad, Vamshi Paidipally, Trivikram, Naveen, Harish Shankar, Koratala Siva and Boyapati Srinivas.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Minister for Cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Home Secretary Ravi Gupta, Director General of Police Jitender and other officials were also present during the meeting.
‘Dil’ Raju had earlier clarified that the meeting with the Chief Minister was being organised on behalf of the Film Development Corporation.
‘Dil’ Raju said actors, directors and producers would be part of the delegation. "We have communicated to all. Those who are available in the city will attend the meeting," he said.
‘Dil’ Raju said he would act as a bridge between the film industry and the government. "The meeting will discuss issues related to the film industry," he said.
When asked if they would discuss the issue related to the stampede and the decision of government not to allow benefit shows and increase in cinema ticket rates for new releases, he said there would be clarity after the meeting.
A day before the meeting, Allu Arjun, Pushpa director Sukumar, and the production company behind the film Mythri Movie Makers donated Rs 2 crore to the family of Revathi who died in the stampede. Her son Sri Tej, who was critically injured, is now undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Allu Aravind on December 25 presented the cheque of Rs 2 crore to ‘Dil’ Raju, who said he would make sure that the money is utilised to secure the future of the boy, his sister and their father.