అన్ని కులాలు, మతాలు కలిస్తేనె జనసేన – Pawan Kalyan on Kapu caste politics

In recent days, discussions have emerged about the possibility of relocating the Telugu film industry from Telangana to Andhra Pradesh. Some Andhra Pradesh politicians have openly welcomed Tollywood to the state, sparking debates and speculation. However, the notion of shifting the entire industry due to a few challenges is unrealistic, irrelevant, and impractical.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently suggested that establishing a film industry in the state could create employment opportunities, tying it to the broader context of tourism development. Unfortunately, these comments have been misconstrued by opportunists to fuel the narrative of relocating Tollywood to Andhra Pradesh.

While it’s true that recent developments have strained relations between the Telangana government and the Telugu film industry, separating Hyderabad from Tollywood is simply not feasible. As Telangana IT Minister Sridhar Babu pointed out, the state boasts a well-established ecosystem conducive to the growth and functioning of the film industry. Hyderabad is not just a geographical location but a hub of infrastructure and talent that anchors the industry.

The iconic Ramoji Film City, Annapurna Studios, and Ramanaidu Studios are irreplaceable assets built over decades, offering state-of-the-art facilities unmatched elsewhere. Constructing similar infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh would take years, if not decades, and significant investment. Moreover, filmmakers like producer Naga Vamshi have reiterated their commitment to Hyderabad, citing the city as their home base.

Hyderabad’s reputation as a global investment hub has been further bolstered by the success of films like Baahubali, RRR, and Pushpa. These pan-India blockbusters have elevated the city’s international standing, making it an integral part of Tollywood’s identity. Shifting the industry would risk an identity crisis, undoing years of progress.

The root cause of the ongoing challenges lies in skyrocketing ticket prices, driven by ballooning production costs and the enormous paychecks demanded by leading stars. Producers often lack the leverage to negotiate, as heroes prioritize their market value above all else. This imbalance leaves exhibitors and theatre owners grappling with reduced audiences, exacerbated by the growing popularity of OTT platforms.

For the industry to thrive, stakeholders must come together to address these systemic issues. Heroes need to be more accommodating with their remuneration, and producers should align spending with the actual value of their projects. Ticket prices should be kept reasonable to attract audiences, while deals with OTT platforms should ensure theatrical exclusivity for a significant period post-release.

Change won’t happen overnight—it requires a phased approach and a willingness from all parties to adapt. The goal must be to preserve and nurture the thriving ecosystem that has made Hyderabad the heart of Tollywood. Without such collaborative efforts, no state can claim to be a sustainable home for the industry’s continued success.

By recognizing the issues and committing to solutions, Tollywood can safeguard its future and maintain its glory as a global cinematic powerhouse.