Tollywood shifting to Andhra Pradesh, infra, incentives key factors
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has urged Tollywood filmmakers to shift their operations to Andhra Pradesh, aiming to create more livelihood opportunities for the people in the state. Producer Lagadapati Sridhar acknowledged Pawan Kalyan’s influence, stating, “Pawan Kalyan is also the Deputy Chief Minister, and his words carry weight, which could influence some filmmakers.”
Sridhar expressed optimism about increased film shootings in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting its picturesque locations such as Srikakulam, Chittoor, Rajahmundry, and Kadapa, which add authenticity and enhance the nativity factor in films. “About 50% of films will be shot in AP to capture these real locations, but a complete shift will take time,” he said. He also emphasized the need for the Andhra Pradesh government to develop infrastructure to attract filmmakers.
“Telugu cinema is one of India’s largest industries, producing pan-India films and drawing global attention. To support this, Andhra Pradesh needs state-of-the-art facilities like studios, post-production centers, and VFX studios. While Vizag has a studio, more such facilities are necessary. These would not only attract filmmakers but also provide jobs to local talent, reducing the need for actors and technicians to relocate from places like Rajahmundry or Vizag,” Sridhar explained.
Currently, Hyderabad is considered the film capital, offering world-class studios and facilities that support Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and other regional films. Sridhar urged Andhra Pradesh to fast-track infrastructure development to compete with Hyderabad, saying, “If AP doesn’t act quickly, it will fall short of Hyderabad’s status.”
He also suggested that Andhra Pradesh could emulate states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which refund 20-25% of shooting costs to producers. “This incentivizes filmmakers, boosts tourism, and promotes regional locations like waterfalls, seashores, and forts, which are more captivating in movies than in documentaries,” he added.
However, not all filmmakers are optimistic about the shift. A producer, speaking anonymously, dismissed the idea, citing practical challenges. “Superstars have built luxurious homes in Hyderabad and won’t leave them. Hyderabad’s cooler climate is a major advantage, unlike the sweaty conditions in Andhra Pradesh, where actors might need to redo their makeup multiple times a day. Even government officials and professionals based in AP prefer returning to Hyderabad on weekends because their families are reluctant to move. The idea of Tollywood shifting to Andhra Pradesh is nothing more than a rumor,” he concluded.
