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Allu Arjun Stampede Case: BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that Revanth Reddy-led government is targeting Tollywood because ‘Telugu superstars and film producers have reportedly refused to comply with the CM’s attempts to extract money from them’.
Allu Arjun’s father and producer Allu Arvind are likely to be part of the delegation to meet Telangana CM Revanth Reddy.
Representatives of the Telugu film industry are set to meet Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy around 10am on Thursday, in wake of the row over stampede at a theatre during premier show of Allu Arjun’s ‘Pushpa 2’. This is being seen as a move to repair strained ties with the state government.
Megastar Chiranjeevi, who is also uncle of Allu Arjun, Venkatesh and Allu Arjun’s father and producer Allu Arvind are likely to be part of the delegation. Telangana State Film Development Corporation chairman and well-known producer Dil Raju has confirmed that they will meet the CM at 10am police command control centre in Hyderabad.
Dil Raju, who was speaking to the media at KIMS Hospital, after visiting the child, who was injured in the stampede at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad on December 4, said actors, director and producers would be part of the delegation.
“We have communicated to all. Those who are available in the city will attend the meeting,” he said.
When asked if they would discuss the issue related to the stampede and the decision of the government not to allow benefit shows and increase in cinema ticket rates for new releases, he said there would be clarity after the meeting.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Minister for Roads and Buildings and Cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy will also be present during the meeting.
Dil Raju, who had also visited the hospital on Tuesday, said they were happy over the fast recovery of Sri Tej. He said Allu Arjun, Mythri Movies and director Sukumar have given Rs 2 crore for the family of Revati who died in the stampede. Her son Sri Tej was critically injured.
Dil Raju said he would make sure that the money is utilised to secure the future of the boy, his sister and their father.
Recently, ruling Congress MLA R Bhoopathi Reddy had issued a stern warning to Pushpa 2 actor and said he would not tolerate any criticism against CM Revanth.
The MLA also added that Allu Arjun, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, has made no significant contribution to Telangana and should be cautious when commenting on the state’s leadership. He later warned that the actor’s films would not be allowed to run in the state.
Responding to Congress government’s reaction to the situation, BJP MP Anurag Thakur said that some people are trying to pull down Telugu actors.
“If you look at the contribution of Telugu actors in the film industry, they have put the film and Indian cinema on the global map. If you look at the last few years, Allu Arjun got the National Award in Narendra Modi’s government, Chiranjeevi got the Lifetime Achievement Award and their contribution has been appreciated by the whole country and the world. On the other hand, look at the films, whether it is RRR, Pushpa, KGF, Baahubali all of them have brought fame to Indian cinema. I think instead of creating controversy, efforts should be made to have a dialogue, take care of safety and not do politics.”
BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that Revanth Reddy-led Congress government is targeting Tollywood because “Telugu superstars and film producers have reportedly refused to comply with the CM’s attempts to exert control and extract money from them”.
Something troubling is unfolding in Telangana under the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government. The administration appears to be targeting Tollywood, one of India’s largest and most vibrant film industries, allegedly because Telugu superstars and film producers have refused to…— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 25, 2024
Elaborating on events that display “harassment” by government, Malviya added, “This situation in Telangana serves as a stark reminder for those who view Congress as a defender of free speech and expression. The party’s actions suggest otherwise, revealing a pattern of extortion and coercion that targets livelihoods and reputations in its quest for power and wealth.”