Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has decided to grant exemption from Entertainment Tax for the period Telugu film Rudrama Devi based on the life of the queen of the Kakatiya dynasty, who ruled the Warangal kingdom in the 13th century AD.
With the film scheduled to be released all over Telangana on October 9, the Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma to immediately release a GO granting exemption from Entertainment Tax for the film.
It is learnt that the Chief Minister reportedly took the decision as part of a policy to encourage films which showcase Telangana history and culture.
Rudrama Devi's director Gunasekhar and his family members, accompanied by popular film producer Dil Raju, called upon the Chief Minister in his camp office on Thursday and pleaded for ET exemption for the film. They also invited KCR to watch the film.
Responding favorably, the Chief Minister complimented Gunasekhar for taking the pains to translate to film the glory of the historic Kakatiya kingdom and the greatness of Rudrama Devi.
He also suggested that the director make more such historic films.
Gunasekhar said that he had studied the history of the Kakatiya dynasty and the rule of Rudrama Devi thoroughly, and had visited several parts of the State for filming the historic scenes in the most appropriate locations.
He also said that the current phase of the desiltation and construction of lakes under the Kakatiya Mission, the prestigious program of the TRS government, were included in the film.
Gunasekhar said that he had presented everything according to the existing systems in the 13th century.