Generally, film industry and politics are two different fields. Except a few individuals from both the sides, one field doesn’t interfere directly in the activities of others.
Yet, there is some sort of connection between the two fields, as film industry needs the support of the government of the day, irrespective of the party in power.
The government, too, maintains cordial relations with the film industry because of the revenue factor.
The problem comes when some film industry bigwigs have close connections with the politicians belonging to the ruling party; so, because of such people, the whole industry faces embarrassment if there is a change in the government at the state.
The Telugu film industry or Tollywood is facing such an embarrassing situation now.
Many of the Tollywood bigwigs maintained close relations with Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders in the past, especially BRS working president and former IT minister K T Rama Rao and ex-cinematography minister Talasani Srinivasa Yadav.
Some of the BRS leaders have also put in their ill-gotten money in the Telugu film industry.
The celebrities of Tollywood were openly hobnobbing with the top BRS leaders, in order to get permissions for additional screenings and special shows.
Now that the Congress led by A Revanth Reddy came to power in Telangana, they are facing a tough situation.
According to sources, some Tollywood celebrities tried to approach the chief minister and invite him to some events, but he politely refused their request.
Reason is obvious. He is aware that most of these people who are now coming to him were moving closely with the BRS leaders and still have connections with the BRS. He reportedly told them that he was not much interested in film industry affairs.
Revanth Reddy, however, assured that his government would extend necessary help whenever it is required.
The only statement he had made about Tollywood was restoration of Nandi Awards in the name of “Gaddar Awards.”
Interestingly, even state cinematography minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy told the film industry people that he would not like to attend any film-related events, as they are not his cup of tea.
He, however, said he would very much encourage film industry as a source of entertainment.
