Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna and others meet Andhra CM to discuss films in post Covid world

A delegation of the Telugu film industry, led by veteran actor Chiranjeevi, met the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in Amravati on Tuesday afternoon and discussed issues concerning the film world. The delegation wanted to seek permission to start filming again.

The state government said it would allow re-opening of cinemas only after the Centre issues relevant guidelines, post-COVID-19 lockdown.

Chiranjeevi also requested a waiver of minimum fixed power charges for cinemas as they remained shut due to the lockdown. The delegation also wanted release of pending subsidy for small films.

"The Chief Minister has promised to take steps for the revival of the Telugu film industry. He assured us that necessary guidelines will be issued for resuming film- shooting in the state," the veteran actor told reporters after the meeting.
"We thank the Chief Minister for agreeing to waive the fixed power charges for cinemas, Chiranjeevi added.

The delegation also sought flexible pricing of cinema tickets, which, Jagan said, would be considered. "This will help the industry tide over the crisis," Chiranjeevi said.

State Information and Public Relations Minister Perni Venkataramaiah (Perni Nani) said the Chief Minister considered the film industry's requests positively.

"They wanted subsidy for small films released and the Chief Minister agreed to do it soon. Regarding re-opening of theatres, a decision will be taken based on the Centres orders," Nani said.

Apart from Chiranjeevi, actor Akkineni Nagarjuna, film producer Daggubati Suresh Babu, directors S S Rajamouli, Trivikram Srinivas and others were also part of the delegation.