KHANDALA (ADILABAD): The Telugu film industry is now exploring Telangana’s Khandala in Adilabad district for shootings. The Khandala Ghats and its surroundings, which have beautiful locations including waterfalls, streams, rivulets, forest areas, hilly areas and agriculture fields, are becoming popular tourist spots these days. Adilabad district also has the famous Kuntala and Pochera waterfalls.
Telangana's Khandala is just 20 km from Adilabad town and 300 km from Hyderabad. This is different from the famous hill station Khandala, which is located near Pune in Maharashtra.
Adilabad’s Khandala has attracted the film industry now. The shooting of the movie titled 23 has been going on at the Ghats for the last few days. Raj Rachakonda who directed the award-winning movies Mallesham, 8 AM Metro, Paka and a few other movies is directing 23. Raj said the Khandala area is one of the best locations in the country and he feels they were lucky to shoot their movie in this area. He said the local Adivasis were very friendly and extended their cooperation without any disturbance for their shooting and enjoying it. Raj also said they were learning about Adivasis’ unique culture and traditions during the shooting.
Internationally acclaimed artist Laxman Aelay of Hyderabad who is working as a production designer for the movie 23 said the scenic beauty of the Khandala Ghats was mesmerising and yet to be explored in many ways. Laxman said for the first time he visited the Khandala Ghats and interacted with the local people. “Adivasis have their rich, unique culture, they are good at heart and respect the people who come to their villages,” he observed and added that soon he will visit the places with his family.
The local people are appealing to the forest department to set up a watch tower at the Khandala Ghat so that tourists can have a view of the area and enjoy it. Garkada Shankar of Lohara village of Adilabad Rural mandal said it would be beneficial if the forest and tourism departments constructed cottages at Khandala Ghats since a growing number of tourists visiting this area these days. He said Khandala has great potential to emerge as a popular tourist spot if the tourism infrastructure is developed. He also urged to involve the local Adivasi youth in tourism development.
Sunny Kurapati, a cinematographer of 23, said he was impressed with the beautiful locations and enjoyed them while capturing their beauty. Tirupati of Lokari village got a chance to play a small role in the movie and he feels this could take him a long way in life. Ushanna and Gangaiah of Pippaldhari village are also playing small roles in the movie.
