From Our Correspondent
Amaravati/Mumbai: Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself for a major transformation in film, tourism, and media infrastructure, with Tourism, Culture & Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh announcing a sweeping roadmap for the future of the Telugu film industry at the CII Big Picture Summit 2025 in Mumbai. Calling it the “beginning of a new era for AP cinematography,” the Minister said a comprehensive Film Tourism Policy will be unveiled soon, designed to strengthen the Telugu film ecosystem from production to exhibition.
Telugu Cinema: A Global Brand
Durgesh said Telugu cinema is now India’s second-largest film industry, contributing nearly 20% to the national output. AP has 1,103 screens, second only to Tamil Nadu, he noted. Blockbusters like Baahubali, RRR, Kalki 2898 AD, Pushpa, Salaar and OG have proven Telugu cinema’s global creative leadership. He assured full state support to productions, infrastructure developers, and investors.
Nandi Awards to Return
The Minister announced that the Nandi Awards and Nandi Natakotsavams will be revived soon, reaffirming the government’s commitment to artists, technicians, and cultural heritage. Permissions for film shoots in public and government spaces will be made “fast, transparent, and hassle-free.”
Massive Incentives for Investors
Durgesh outlined major incentives for investments across media, entertainment, and tourism:Te
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Tourism & hospitality granted industry status, unlocking all subsidies
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Target of ₹25,000 crore private investment by 2029
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100% stamp duty reimbursement and waiver of land conversion charges
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100% SGST reimbursement for 15 years
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Capital subsidies: 25% for MSMEs, 10% for large/mega projects
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Electricity at industrial tariffs and 5-year electricity duty exemption
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Push to increase hotel room capacity from 3,500 to 50,000
AP to Become Global Hub for AI, VFX & Gaming
Under the Swarnandhra Vision @ 2047, AP aims to build a $2.4 trillion economy and transform into a global hub—“Andhra Valley”—for AI, VFX, animation, and gaming. Durgesh said film tourism will be a major driver, leveraging AP’s rich landscapes—from Tirupati and Srisailam to Araku and Gandikota.
Seven major Anchor Tourism Hubs—Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Amaravati, Srisailam, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram, and Gandikota—will support 21 thematic circuits including adventure, eco, temple, and film tourism.
Durgesh stressed that AP aims to nurture world-class talent, stating: “Our goal is not just job creation but building a true knowledge economy. AP will become a gateway for South Indian content to the world.”
High-Level Industry Engagements
As part of the summit, Durgesh held multiple industry meetings:
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Discussed the future of M&E in the AI era with leaders from Sony, Shemaroo, Radio Mirchi, JW Marriott, and CII
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Held talks with YouTube India MD Gunjan Soni
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Engaged with film infrastructure stakeholders including Cube Cinema, Papa Film Entertainment, Picture Perfect, Kalpavvana Studios, and amusement park industry representatives
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Tourism MD Amrapali Kata presented AP’s film sector vision to a panel featuring Prosenjit Chatterjee, Senthil Kumar, and senior I&B officials
Durgesh invited investors to join AP’s ambitious roadmap, assuring “a stable, transparent, and business-friendly administration” and pledging strong support as India’s media and entertainment industry moves toward the $100 billion mark.