K Chandrashekhar Rao ready to produce a movie for Kasinadhuni Viswanath

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao told Kasinadhuni Viswanath, noted Telugu film director and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee, that he is ready to produce a film if Mr Viswanath agrees to direct it.

Mr Rao visited the residence of Kasinadhuni Viswanath on Sunday at Film Nagar and spent some time with the family of the director.

Mr Viswanath, his wife Jayalakshmi, son Ravind-ranath, daughter-in-law Gowri, and director N. Shankar were present.

Mr Rao felicitated Mr Vishwanath and his wife with shawls and family members of the director felicitated the Chief Minister.

Mr Rao and the film director had an interesting half-hour discussion on films and Telugu language and literature.

“I am your fan. I have loved your films since childhood. I have seen every film that you have made. I’ve watched Shan-karabharanam about 25 times. Every time I’ve watched a film of yours, I have felt like meeting you personally. My desire is fulfilled today. You make films with dedication,” Mr Rao told Mr Viswanathan.

He said that there is a lot scope for the film industry to develop further in Hyderabad and said the government will come out with a new policy on the film industry.

“You have not made a film for the past ten years. Nowadays we are not getting good films which are message oriented. You have to make a film again. If you agree to make the film, I am ready to take care of the production of it,” Mr Rao said.

Mr Viswanath said that the Chief Minister’s visit had blessed his home and recalled that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor MGR had also visited his home. He complimented the Chief Minister on his “wonderful grip over the Telugu language and literature. You are a great orator and have a liking for the arts.”

He also congratulated the CM on constructing the Kaleshwaram Project.

Replying to a question from the director about how he handles the criticism against him, Mr Rao said he takes no cognisance of baseless criticism as he is working with the aim of bettering the lives of people.