Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy held a meeting on December 26 with a delegation of around 50 representatives from the Telugu film industry, including prominent actors, directors, and producers.
According to the press release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, CM Revanth emphasized the importance of Tollywood, likening its significance to that of the IT and pharmaceutical industries. He announced plans to elevate Hyderabad as a global hub for cinema, aiming to attract Bollywood and even Hollywood to the city.
The delegation, led by Telangana State Film Development Corporation Chairman and renowned producer ‘Dil’ Raju, included stars like Nagarjuna and Venkatesh, producers Allu Aravind and Suresh Babu, and directors Raghavendra Rao, Vamshi Paidipally, and Trivikram, among others.
This meeting came in the aftermath of a tragic stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, which resulted in the death of a woman named Revathi and critical injuries to her son. The incident sparked a row between the Telangana government and Allu Arjun, with CM Revanth criticizing the film industry for its delayed response to the victims. However, a day before the meeting, Allu Arjun, director Sukumar, and production company Mythri Movie Makers donated ₹2 crore to support Revathi’s family. Allu Aravind presented the cheque to ‘Dil’ Raju, who assured that the funds would be used to secure the future of the children and their father.
During the meeting, CM Revanth reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting the Telugu film industry's growth. “We view the film industry as equally important as IT and pharma. Hyderabad, with its cosmopolitan appeal, has the potential to become a global cinema hub,” he said. The Chief Minister also announced plans to organize a major film industry conference in Hyderabad to attract national and international filmmakers.
While speculation arose about discussions on benefit shows and ticket price hikes, ‘Dil’ Raju dismissed them as minor concerns. “Our focus was on larger issues, such as elevating Telugu cinema to a global level and establishing Hyderabad as an international hub,” he stated.
The Telangana government has formed a cabinet sub-committee to address industry issues, with ‘Dil’ Raju serving as a mediator between the government and the film fraternity. CM Revanth also urged the industry to form its own committee to work collaboratively on solutions.
Highlighting the state’s advantages for filmmakers, CM Revanth said, “Telangana offers unique opportunities for shooting, with locations accessible within two hours from Hyderabad. The industry should also promote ecotourism and temple tourism in the state.” He suggested that Telugu films tackle pressing social issues, including substance abuse and marijuana use.
The meeting included participation from Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Home Secretary Ravi Gupta, and Director General of Police Jitender. Senior actors such as Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, and Murali Mohan, alongside filmmakers like Harish Shankar, Koratala Siva, and Boyapati Srinivas, were also present.
The CM assured attendees that his administration would enforce the law impartially, stating that he harbors no personal biases. The meeting highlighted the government’s determination to transform the Telugu film industry into a global powerhouse while addressing the aftermath of recent controversies.