Shoot more films in scenic locales of Andhra Pradesh, Tourism Minister urges Telugu film industry

Tourism Minister urges Telugu film industry to shoot in Andhra Pradesh to boost tourism, offering government support.

Tourism and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh has invited the Telugu film industry to shoot more films in the scenic locations in Andhra Pradesh, adding that it would help promote the tourism.

“The State government will extend all possible help to the film industry and the investors set up film studios, dubbing theatres and re-recording studios,” he said, during the CII Tourism & Travel Summit organised in the city on October 25 (Friday).

He was responding to noted producer Daggubati Suresh Babu, who was also one of the speakers, who spoke about the issues being faced by the film units while shooting in Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Durgesh said that measures to support the film industry has been included in the new tourism policy, which is expected to come under implementation in the next few months.

The Minister said that there are a wide variety of tourist spots and scenic locations in Andhra Pradesh. The number of shootings organised and revenue generated in Andhra Pradesh is more compared to that in Telangana. But Andhra Pradesh is lacking popularity in film tourism compared to other States, he said.

“The reason behind it is lack of better amenities, studios and dubbing theatres. This is where, we really want to improve,” Mr. Durgesh said, adding that investors and film personalities should come forward to set up studios, dubbing theatres, re-recording studios, for which the government would extend whatever support they need. Due to financial constraints, the government is not able to take up such projects as of now, he said.

Mr. Durgesh also said that the State Government will also support the film industry in ticket fare hike issue.