Exclusive: Congress Govts Always Supported Tollywood, says C Kalyan
Telugu film industry anticipates the revival of Nandi Awards as the newly-formed Congress government in Telangana
Hyderabad: Golden days are here again for the Telugu film industry. We hear that the newly-formed Congress government in Telangana is planning to revive prestigious Nandi Awards in April or May this year. “We are quite hopeful about Nandi awards and it will be golden days for Tollywood in the days to come," said veteran producer C Kalyan, who recently met Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy at his residence.
Talking about the CM, the Tollywood filmmaker said, “He was very humble and warm.” He recalled that Tollywood flourished in Hyderabad under the different Congress governments in the 70s and 80s. “Even late Dr Rajasekhar Reddy, the then Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh had done a lot for the Telugu film industry and encouraged talent. I reiterate that except for Congress, no other government showed benevolence and support for the Telugu film industry.”
Earlier, the former president of South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce also accompanied a Tollywood delegation to meet Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and spent some time with him. “Komatireddy garu was very friendly and encouraging. He assured every kind of support to boost the prospects of TFI,” he informed.
It is worth mentioning here that Nandi awards were a celebration of sorts for Tollywood filmmakers, actors and directors since the best of talent was honoured and respected for many decades. But it was discontinued in 2016 by the erstwhile TRS government. But now, the Congress-led government intends to usher in the golden era of cinema yet again. “Telugu actors and directors would eagerly await notifications for awards and thereafter announcements of prestigious winners. All the winners would turn up for the big event and it was a big celebration for the Tollywood industry,” he points out.
However, it is learnt that the name of awards could be rechristened. Those things will be finalized after January 8 though. "We are expecting a meeting with the government very soon,” he concludes.