Govt. determined to revive Nandi Awards, says Cinema Minister Durgesh

Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh addressed a program undertaken by the new officials of AP State Film, Television and Theater Development Corporation in Vijayawada on Sunday. | Photo credit: GN RAO

Tourism, Cinema and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh on Sunday said the TDP-led coalition government in the state has initiated steps to revive arts and culture.

Addressing an event where the new officials of the Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theater Development Corporation (APSFTVTDC) took charge, Mr. Durgesh announced that the government is determined to revive the prestigious Nandi Awards and Nandi Natakotsavams.

He said Andhra Pradesh possessed several attractive shooting locations including Araku Valley, Maredumilli, Tirupati and Amaravati and urged producers and film personalities to invest in studios, dubbing theaters and recording facilities in the state.

While Bharat Bhushan took charge of the corporation, Chikkala Meher Ramesh Kumar was sworn in as the vice-chairman in the presence of film personalities, public representatives and officials.

Mr. Bharat Bhushan said that he will strive for the development of cinema, arts and theater in Andhra Pradesh and thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, Mr. Durgesh and MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna for entrusting him with the responsibility.

He recalled that a full-fledged film sector committee was earlier constituted in 1984 under the leadership of former chief minister NT Rama Rao and DVS Raju and said the coalition government had now revived it after many years.

He said that with the help of Mr. Balakrishna, Mr. Pawan Kalyan and Mr. Durgesh, efforts will be made to expand the Telugu film industry in Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Meher Ramesh Kumar said the coalition government was determined to create a “film-friendly” environment in the state and said the newly formed board would work to bring film-related activity back to Andhra Pradesh by boosting infrastructure and employment opportunities.

Actor and MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna felicitates P. Bharath Bhushan after taking over as Chairman of AP State Film, Television and Theater Development Corporation in Vijayawada on Sunday. | Photo credit: GN RAO

Mr. Balakrishna said Vijayawada once served as a major hub for the Telugu film industry and pointed out that nearly 65-70% of Telugu film revenue still comes from Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized the need for a single window system to facilitate filming permits and police clearances and urged both the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments to support the film industry.

Actors Suman Talwar and Jhansi, who were appointed as directors, also ensured the growth of the film and television sector in Andhra Pradesh.

There were 17 directors in the newly established council, among them are film personalities, artists and high-ranking officials.

Published – 24 May 2026 19:36 IST