Balakrishna’s shocking comments on Chiranjeevi & Co’s meetings with govt

Nandamuri Balakrishna on Thursday said that he didn’t know about the Telugu film industry’s meetings with the government over the resumption of film shootings in Telangana.  “I came to know about them only from media reports,” the ‘Ruler’ and ‘NTR: Kathanayakudu’ actor said after paying tributes to his late father and thespian NT Rama Rao at the NTR Ghat in Hyderabad.

The senior actor’s comment comes days after Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Dil Raju and a host of others convened a meeting with Telangana Cinematography Minister T Srinivas Yadav and personally called on Chief Minister KCR.  

Going by the Hindupur MLA’s comments, he was not kept in the loop about the developments in the industry.  Chiru has been leading the show by being pro-active for the “benefit of everyone”.

Balayya added that production works will be restarted after the government duly passes a GO.  “I don’t know anything about the nature of the meetings.  But I hope shootings are back to normal soon.  I am hearing that the production works will happen from June second or third week,” the ‘Legend’ and ‘Simha’ actor commented.

Producer C Kalyan, for his part, has stated that everyone in the industry is united.  “We are taking everyone along.  If someone wants to take up a task, he can do it.  We had requested Chiranjeevi garu to come along.  Nagarjuna garu, too, has been at the forefront.  Balakrishna garu has been kept informed.  We have no political affiliations.  If he wants to attend a meeting, who can stop him?” Kalyan asked.

The producer of films like ‘Khaleja’ and ‘Komaram Puli’ further added, “When the TDP was in power, we approached Balakrishna garu for help on two occasions.  When Corona Crisis Charity was set up, he was the first one to donate.  There is no division in the industry.  Some people just talk nonsense.  Balakrishna garu is like my brother.  If he gets insulted, I will be the first one to resist,” he added.  

It has to be seen what kind of reaction Balayya’s comment will elicit from others.