Hyderabad, June 15 (UNI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has expressed his vision to transform Hyderabad into a global hub for cinema by attracting Hollywood and Bollywood film industries to the city.
He assured that the state government would extend all necessary support to the Telugu film industry and help elevate it to international standards.
Addressing the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards (TGFA)-2024 at Hitex, Madhapur, on Saturday night, the Chief Minister said that his government was committed to the growth of the film industry alongside IT, pharma, and defence sectors as part of its vision for “Telangana Rising – 2047.”
He emphasised that Hyderabad aims to compete not with Indian cities, but with global giants like New York and Tokyo.
During the award ceremony, the Chief Minister presented accolades to prominent film personalities. Allu Arjun was named Best Actor, Nivetha Thomas Best Actress, and Nag Ashwin Best Director. Nandamuri Balakrishna received the NT Rama Rao Award, Vijay Deverakonda the Kantha Rao Film Award, Yandamuri Veerendranath the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, Mani Ratnam the Paidi Jairaj Award, Sukumar the BN Reddy Award, and Alutri Poornachandra Rao received the Nagireddy-Chakrapani Film Award.
Revanth Reddy expressed pride in the evolution of the Telugu film industry, stating that it is now seen as a representative of Indian cinema on the global stage. “Earlier, people spoke only of Bollywood. Today, it is a matter of pride that Indian cinema is equated with Telugu cinema,” he said.
He announced that the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards would replace the erstwhile Nandi Awards, which were discontinued 14 years ago.
“We revived these awards to honour actors, directors, and all contributors to cinema," the CM said.
He also revealed plans to include a special chapter dedicated to the film industry in Telangana’s Vision 2047 document.
"I will remain active in politics for the next 22 years and stand by the film industry, offering all possible support and incentives," he said.
Revanth Reddy urged renowned director S S Rajamouli to bring Hollywood and Bollywood filmmakers to Hyderabad for film shoots, promising government backing to facilitate such
ventures.
The event saw participation from Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, TFDC Chairman Dil Raju, GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, and several film industry stalwarts, including Allu Aravind, Ashwini Dutt, R. Narayana Murthy, M.M. Keeravani, S.S. Rajamouli, Chandra Bose, Jayasudha, Jaya Prada, and Suhasini.
The state government also sanctioned Rs 3 crore to the Gaddar Foundation, fulfilling a promise
made by the Chief Minister during the Gaddar Jayanti celebrations.
The awards event honoured the best films and talents from 2014 to 2024 and was held from 1800 hours to 2300 hours.
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