On December 26, 2024, nearly 50 representatives from the Telugu film industry, including prominent actors Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, and producers like Allu Aravind and Suresh Babu, convened with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The meeting, held at the Police Command and Control Room in Banjara Hills, addressed various concerns facing the industry, particularly in the aftermath of the stampede incident during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Highlights of the Meeting:
- Delegation Lead: Chaired by Telangana State Film Development Corporation Chairman and producer ‘Dil’ Raju.
- Attendees: Notable names like Allu Arjun, Murali Mohan, directors Raghavendra Rao, Trivikram, Boyapati Srinivas, Harish Shankar, and others.
- Government Officials Present: Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and DGP Jitender.
The discussions aimed to resolve ongoing disputes, including the government’s decision to restrict benefit shows and prevent arbitrary cinema ticket price hikes following the tragic stampede at the Sandhya Theatre.
Pushpa 2 Premiere Tragedy:
Earlier this month, a stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2 led to the tragic death of Revathi and critical injuries to her son, Sri Tej. In response, Allu Arjun, director Sukumar, and Mythri Movie Makers donated ₹2 crore to the family. Producer Allu Aravind presented the cheque to ‘Dil’ Raju, who pledged to use the funds to secure the family’s future.
Outcome of the Meeting:
The industry hopes this dialogue will address challenges such as ticket pricing, safety regulations, and other pressing concerns. The collaborative efforts between the government and film fraternity are expected to bring clarity and sustainable solutions for the Telugu film industry.
