Deputy CM Bhatti Says Hyderabad Will Be Made a National Hub of Film Industry

 Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday said the state government is according top priority to the Telugu film industry with a clear vision of developing Hyderabad into the national hub of cinema.

Addressing a meeting of the Gaddar Film Awards jury members at the Secretariat, he underlined that the city possesses immense potential and conditions that favour film industries of all languages to expand and thrive.

The Deputy CM observed that traditional film centres, such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, have a limited scope for further growth, while Hyderabad has ample infrastructure, talent and space for expansion. If film industries from across the country chose Hyderabad as their base, the city would generate large-scale employment opportunities for local youth, including technicians, writers and directors. He said that the government would prepare a comprehensive blueprint to position Hyderabad as a global film market.

Bhatti pointed out that film awards had been neglected for a decade under the previous BRS regime. But the Congress government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had revived the awards to encourage the cinema sector, which plays a significant role in influencing society and promoting social change.

He described revolutionary poet and artist Gaddar as an iconic figure who dedicated his life to society through art. Telangana’s ethos of art, questioning and compassion are reflected in Gaddar’s works. To honour this legacy and promote meaningful cinema, the government instituted film awards in Gaddar’s name from last year, he stated.

Assuring complete transparency, the Deputy Chief Minister said talent alone would be the basis for selection of awards. He recalled that last year’s jury had earned widespread appreciation for its fair process. He pointed out that based on wide consultations with all stakeholders, eminent personalities have been appointed as jury members through the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC).

Bhatti asked the jury to encourage films that combine commercial appeal with strong social messages.

He announced that film screenings for the awards would begin on February 6, with the award ceremony scheduled for March 19, coinciding with Ugadi. The government, he said, is extending full autonomy and support to the FDC and I&PR department.

Those who attended the meeting included TFDC chairman Dil Raju, I&PR commissioner Ch. Priyanka, FDC executive director Kishore Babu and several film personalities.