Chandrababu Naidu Knows Film Industry Quite Well, says Prasanna Kumar
Hyderabad: It looks like Telugu film producers are quite happy about Telugu Desam supremo N Chandrababu Naidu sweeping the polls in Andhra Pradesh. “It augurs for the Telugu film industry,” says T Prassanna Kumar, general secretary of Telugu Film Producers Council. 'The prestigious Nandi awards could be back in Andhra Pradesh to honour the best talent in Telugu movies since it was discontinued after 2018,’ he adds. He claims that CM-designate Chandrababu Babu Naidu is well versed with Telugu film industry. “He was the Cinematography Minister in Congress government in united Andhra Pradesh in early 1980’s and keenly observed the working of Telugu film industry," he adds. He was instrumental in setting up the Film Nagar Cultural club in Jubilee hills and many other deeds. "He also likes to be in touch with bigwigs of Tollywood and gets to know their woes first hand," he adds.
Actually, N Chandrababu in his previous regime between 2014-19, wanted to help hundreds of Telugu film producers and even readied a GO to refund 9% GST collection on each ticket back to the producer. “In simple terms, 18% GST is collected on each ticket. While 9% goes to Central GST, while remaining 9% goes towards state GST, so he assured to refund state gst back to producers and we hope he will ponder over it once again,’ adds Prasannsa Kumar
For exhibitors, he could also consider a cut in power tariff and also forgo amounts levied on exhibitors during lockdown. “State govt asked hundreds of exhibitors to shut down theatres during lockdown in 2020 but they didn’t waive any charges and treated theatres as running which is quite unfortunate,’ points out Prasanna Kumar.
He also adds that actor-turned-politicians like Balakrishna, Pawan Kalyan and even NTR’s daughter Purandeswari’s family produced films. “These big stars are also producers and understand the woes of producers- small and big as well. With top stars in the ruling dispensation, we are hopeful of some sops for the Telugu film industry,’ he adds.
Summing up their confidence, Prasanna Kumar says, “N Chandraban Naidu victory is good for producers, exhibitors and distributors and overall industry," he concludes.