Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh.
Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said the government is working on a comprehensive film tourism policy aimed at strengthening the Telugu film industry from production to exhibition. Addressing the keynote address at the CII Big Picture Summit 2025 in Mumbai on December 1, he said that the Telugu film industry, the second largest in the country after Hindi cinema, accounts for nearly 20% of the total Indian film sector.
Outlining the benefits provided to investors in India’s media and entertainment sector, he said the government would fully support businesses developing integrated film cities, state-of-the-art studios, dubbing units and recording facilities. Permits to shoot in government and public spaces are being simplified to make the process quick, transparent and hassle-free, he said. The minister added that the Nandi Awards and Nandi Natakotsavams would soon be revived to promote new talent.
He said the government was offering full refund of stamp duty on land purchased or leased for eligible tourism projects along with waiver of land conversion charges. A 100% GST refund is also offered for up to 15 years. Direct capital grants are available up to 25% for MSME projects and 10% for large or mega projects.
Hospitality units will be powered at industrial rates and will be given a five-year exemption from electricity tax, which will reduce operational costs. He said seven major anchor centers are being developed in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Amaravati, Srisailam, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram and Gandikota with investment opportunities across 21 thematic areas like adventure, eco, temple and film tourism on a hub-and-spoke model.
Urging investors to help build world-class studios and post-production infrastructure in the state, he said the new film policy is designed to encourage the creation of such critical facilities by offering competitive support for investment in studios and related services.
Earlier in the day, he participated in a discussion on the draft plan for growing the media and entertainment sector in the AI era along with CII National Council member Rajan Navani, Sony Entertainment Business Director Nachiket Pantvaidya, Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada, Radio Mirchi CEO Yatish Mehrishi and others.
Published – 01 Dec 2025 20:25 IST
