Hyderabad: Tollywood producer Purna Chandra Rao faces stiff resistance from locals of NBT Nagar in Patigadda-Begumpet, during preparations for the shooting of his upcoming movie, Basthi Ka Sawal. Locals alleged that the producer has, without obtaining permission from the GHMC, illegally built a shed and a room and damaged the wall of the Community Hall there.
The producer erected a temporary set for the shooting on government land four months ago. The shooting has not begun. As the producer keeps occupying the community hall, the locals are unable to hold any function. “We have orally complained to the Begumpet police station,” they said.
President of NBT Nagar, Mohd Shamshuddin, said, “This is a 200-square yard government land located close to the Patigadda railway station. For decades, this is being used for marriages, erecting of Ganesh pandals and holding community functions. In October 2016, the producer had, without the consent of the colony members and the GHMC, set up a temporary structure for the shooting of a film. He occupied the entire area.
Following a protest and police complaint, TS minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav visited the site and asked the locals to bear with the situation. “Since then, we are unable to host any function at the hall. The NBT colony is located on the opposite side of police lines – Begumpet. Over 900 families live in this locality, the locals who held a low-key protest at the site on Wednesday said.
Producer PC Rao responded, “Artistes are busy with other schedules and the shooting has been delayed. We will have this starting in a day or two and complete it by February 16. The camp will be dismantled on February 17.” The circle GHMC staff is however clueless about the producer occupying the land.
