TDP AP chief backs benefit shows, contradicts Telangana CM

By The Capital

On 23 Dec 2024 09:53:44

TDP AP chief backs benefit shows, contradicts Telangana CM

• Blaming one side alone won't resolve issues

• Govt must act with foresight to prevent mishaps : Palla

The Capital News

Vishakapatnam: Dec 22: In a sharp contrast to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s firm stance against benefit shows and ticket price hikes for new films, Andhra Pradesh's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) State president Palla Srinivasa Rao has voiced his support for benefit shows, emphasizing the need for balanced measures to support the film industry while ensuring public safety.

Addressing the media in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, Palla Srinivasa Rao criticized the blanket ban on benefit shows, highlighting their importance in curbing piracy and driving audience engagement. "Pushpa-1 was a massive hit, and the anticipation for Pushpa-2 is sky-high.

At such times, governments must act with foresight and provide necessary arrangements to manage crowds and prevent mishaps," he said, stressing the dual responsibility of the film industry and government in averting accidents. The TDP leader's comments come a day after CM Revanth Reddy announced in the Telangana Assembly that no ticket price hikes or benefit shows would be permitted under his watch.

Revanth issued a stern warning to the film industry, vowing to end what he termed as "industry games" during his tenure. However, Palla Srinivasa Rao took a divergent approach, arguing that prohibiting benefit shows entirely might have unintended consequences.

"While it's important to regulate such events, blaming one side alone won't resolve issues. Both the government and the film industry must collaborate to ensure public safety and prevent incidents like those at Sandhya Theater from recurring," he stated.

He also urged heroes to refrain from visiting theaters during releases to avoid overwhelming crowds and called for immediate support for families affected by theater-related accidents. Touching upon the broader development of the film industry in Andhra Pradesh, Palla Srinivasa Rao endorsed Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan's vision for fostering a thriving cinematic ecosystem in the state.

"If the film industry grows here, it will generate employment for numerous artists and technicians. This is a sector that deserves robust support from both the government and the public," he remarked. As debates over benefit shows and ticket regulations continue to unfold in the Telugu-speaking States, Palla Srinivasa Rao's comments have gained importance.