Joining hands with protagonists of Telangana, Tollywood observed a total shut-down of films in the Telangana region, with the Film Chamber expressing its solidarity with the agitation and agreeing to close down all theatres for 2 days.
This is the first time ever since the Telangana issue flared up that the film industry (at least, exhibitors and theatre owners) has yielded to the bandh call given for the separatist cause. Telangana activists and Tollywood moguls have, otherwise, shared a bitter relationship with one another.
As part of the Sakalajana Bandh call given by the Telangana JAC, around 480 theatres of the region have closed down. The bandh is not limited to single-screen theatres - all multiplexes, including Prasad's, INOX and Cine Planet have put up boards expressing regret for their inability to screen films for 2 days.
The estimated loss for the 2 days, industry sources say, is over Rs. 6 crore. The Nizam region contributes to nearly 34% of the film industry's revenue.
However, film activity continues for the 2 day, informed sources said. Only outdoor shooting may not take place, thanks to bitter experiences in the past (for example,
read this), but since the bandh is only for theatres, exhibitors are taking part in it.
All indoor activity, including shooting, dubbing, and recording rehearsals, will go on, the sources added. There was some trouble at the city's outskirts on Tuesday, when the shooting of Ravi Teja's film was stalled by Telangana agitators.
Meanwhile, U Naryana Murthy, known for his revolutionary roles, has voluntarily postponed the release of his film "Poru".
Ram-Hansika starrer
Kandireega is the only movie that is doing well currently.
Doubts were raised over the much-touted audio release of Jr NTR starrer Oosaravelli, but it is set to go on as per schedule at Shilpakala Vedika on the evening of 15 September.
Last year, there were numerous attacks on film units shooting at the outskirts involving top names like Manchu Mohan Babu's son, Mega star Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan Teja but the then Chief Minister K Roshaiah brokered peace between the two warring factions. (INN)