Dilip Raja said no committee had yet been formed
VIJAYAWADA: Movie Artists Association Andhra Pradesh (MAA-AP) founder and film director Dilip Raja sought immediate revival of the Nandi Awards and urged the state government to take a decision without further delay.
Addressing the media at a press conference at the MAA-AP office in Tenali on Friday, he expressed concern over the suspension of the state film awards for nearly a decade and questioned the delay in constituting a committee for the awards.
Referring to recent remarks by cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh that the awards would be announced soon, Dilip Raja said no committee had yet been formed.
He said neighbouring Telangana had instituted awards in the name of balladeer Gaddar, while Andhra Pradesh was yet to revive its own film awards for artistes and technicians.
Raising concerns over regulation of digital content, Dilip Raja questioned how certain OTT platforms and channels were streaming semi-nude visuals without censorship despite the Cinematography Act, 1952 remaining in force.
He also referred to the condition of the exhibition sector in Andhra Pradesh and said more than 150 single-screen theatres had shut down voluntarily due to lack of films and increasing maintenance costs.
He urged the government to examine the reasons behind the closures and take corrective measures.
Dilip Raja also appealed for resolution of revenue-sharing disputes among exhibitors, distributors and producers, and said every censored film should be ensured theatrical release.
