Film Nagar, NTR Studios Proposed in Amaravati

Vijayawada: MAA-AP president and Telugu film director Dileep Raja has proposed setting up a dedicated ‘Film Nagar’ in Amaravati on the lines of Hyderabad and establishing ‘NTR Studios’ in the name of former Chief Minister and actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao to give a major boost to the film industry in Andhra Pradesh. Raja made the proposal while leading a delegation of the Movie Artists Association–Andhra Pradesh that met newly appointed AP Film, Theatre and Television Development Corporation (AP FDC) chairman P. Bharat Bhushan at his office in Vijayawada on Friday.

The delegation expressed confidence that Bharat Bhushan would extend support to the development of the film industry and the welfare of artistes and technicians belonging to all 24 crafts. Raja urged the government to formulate a special roadmap for developing the film industry and creating more opportunities for local talent. He said infrastructure for the industry and a conducive environment for shootings would encourage more films to be made in AP.

He suggested that producers and directors from the state be encouraged to shoot at least 20 per cent of their films in AP. Araku, Lambasingi, Bhavani Island and Suryalanka offered attractive locations, he said, adding that film shoots would boost tourism and generate employment for local artistes and technicians. MAA-AP would prepare a comprehensive district-wise directory of artistes and make it available to producers and directors, Raja said. Bharat Bhushan suggested preparing a list of capable artists according to their suitability for different roles.