Image Source: hindustantimes.com
On Tuesday, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized that the Telugu film industry should contribute to societal causes in return for government support, such as raising ticket prices or shooting outdoors. He highlighted the need for stars to follow Chiranjeevi’s example by creating short videos to raise awareness about drug abuse and cybercrime.
**‘Raise Awareness in Return for Help’**
CM Revanth directed officials to condition government assistance on the film industry’s participation in public awareness campaigns. “It’s not wrong for you to profit off films. But also do your bit for society,” he said. He further added, “You come to the government with requests to raise ticket prices whenever you have a big-budget film releasing. But you show no responsibility towards raising awareness on drugs and cybercrime. No matter how big the star, I am directing my officials to ask them to make videos. Let them make a 1-2 minute film for us.”
The Chief Minister stressed that Tollywood stars have a societal responsibility, given their fame and influence. He praised Chiranjeevi for his participation in a video by the Telangana Anti Narcotics Bureau, addressing the narcotics issue in the state. Revanth urged the Cyberabad and Rachakonda police commissioners to request filmmakers to produce such videos before granting permission for outdoor shoots.
Furthermore, CM Revanth asked theatre owners to screen these awareness films free of cost before regular film screenings to promote messages against drugs and cybercrime.
**Hiking Ticket Prices**
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is common practice to increase ticket prices with government permission during a film’s release. Recently, the producers of “Kalki 2898 AD,” starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, sought permission to hike ticket prices in the first week of the film’s release. The film grossed ₹625 crore worldwide in its five-day run.
CM Revanth’s directive highlights a call for the film industry to leverage its influence for public good, balancing commercial interests with social responsibility.
