Andhra-Telangana bhai bhai

Hyderabad: Amid all the mud-slinging between leaders of the two states, AP panchayati raj minister Ayyannapatrudu, and Telangana panchayati raj and IT minister, K.T. Rama Rao were present for the launch of Tippu, a film that debuts Karthik, the son of well known film distributor Raju.

Ayyannaptrudu invited KTR for the launch to create a friendly atmosphere in the film industry, and KTR reciprocated. And when the ministers met, beyond just greeting each other with the obligatory smiles, they were all praises for each other!

They went all out to assure the Telugu film industry of their respective government’s full support. “After bifurcation there were some uncertainties surrounding the film industry. We are both here to clarify regarding the same. States can be divided, but the development of cinema should not be stopped because thousands of families are making a living from the industry,” said Ayyannapatrudu.

“There are some beautiful locations in Andhra Pradesh for shootings and any filmmaker can come and work there. We will give our support,” he said. KTR, too, was upbeat and assured that Hyderabad too will still be accessible as a cinema capital for all.

“The industry had shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad and it took 40 years for it to develop here. Cinema is a big medium and we don’t want to distance ourselves from it. There were a few problems initially when the state was

divided, but those are like passing clouds. Industry people need not worry, ” assured KTR, stressing on the fact that the process for setting up a film city on 2,000 acres of land has begun.

He also said in order for the AP region to be developed, the Telangana government will help the industry. “There are some good locations like Araku and Vizag in Andhra Pradesh. The industry should develop there too,” he said