Following the recent Gadar Cine Awards in Telangana, the Andhra Pradesh government is reportedly preparing to revive the prestigious Nandi Awards to recognize and honor the Telugu film industry. The Nandi Awards were discontinued under the previous government but are set to make a comeback, much to the excitement of the Tollywood fraternity. Producers in the region believe that the current government, more favorable to the film industry, will help rejuvenate the awards and bring back celebrations for the talented actors, directors, and technicians of the Telugu cinema world.
In the past, the Nandi Awards were hosted by the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government between 2014 and 2019, but the initiative was stopped under the YCP administration. However, it seems the new government plans to reinstate this tradition, which would also likely be accompanied by other industry support measures.
Recently, Telugu film industry leaders, including Nandamuri Balakrishna and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, discussed concerns such as the heavy GST burden on the industry. Producers are advocating for a refund of the state GST collected from ticket sales, which would significantly ease their financial pressure. Under the previous TDP government, a refund of 9% out of 18% state GST had been planned, a measure that would be welcomed by struggling producers.
In addition to fiscal relief, Andhra Pradesh offers considerable advantages for filmmakers compared to Telangana. The location charges in Andhra Pradesh are much more affordable, with filmmakers only required to pay Rs 1,000 in document charges to the APFDC for shooting permits. In contrast, shooting in Telangana, especially in Hyderabad, can cost between Rs 15,000 and Rs 300,000 per day depending on the location. This cost difference can save producers millions on each project, offering a more attractive alternative for filming.
Andhra Pradesh also boasts beautiful tourist spots, which the film industry is eager to turn into shooting-friendly locations. By showcasing these locations in films, the state could boost tourism while offering filmmakers a hassle-free filming experience. Additionally, the industry hopes to push for more infrastructure development in the state, including studios, recording theatres, and other facilities. This would help aspiring filmmakers and actors in Andhra Pradesh stay close to home, without the need to relocate to Hyderabad for work.
