The Telangana government has enacted Section 144 in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, effective from October 27, 2024, for a month-long duration. This order bans gatherings of five or more people, impacting all processions, rallies, public events, and protests to maintain public order across these areas.
As a result, numerous high-profile film events initially slated for Hyderabad are now relocating to Andhra Pradesh. With a busy calendar of pre-release events in November and December, films like Matka and Mechanic Rocky, along with several smaller productions, are adapting their promotional plans.
Among the most affected is the eagerly awaited pre-release celebration for Pushpa 2. Originally scheduled for Hyderabad, the event will now take place in Andhra Pradesh, following the trend set by other major Telugu film events adapting to these restrictions. Although fans in Hyderabad may feel a temporary void, the shift has generated anticipation in Andhra Pradesh, which is now primed to host Tollywood’s largest events.
Industry experts see this as an exciting pivot, with Andhra Pradesh gaining prominence as a key venue for Telugu cinema’s major celebrations. Once Section 144 is lifted, Hyderabad is expected to reclaim its status as a prime event hub, but for now, the industry’s spotlight is firmly on Andhra Pradesh’s vibrant cinema scene.
