Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM and Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan made a visit to Bengaluru today, engaging in discussions with Karnataka officials regarding crucial issues of wildlife conservation and cross-border smuggling.

His visit focused on securing the cooperation of the Karnataka government in combating the rampant red sandalwood smuggling along the AP-Karnataka border. Pawan stressed the need for a joint effort between the two states to effectively curb this illegal activity, seeking support from the Karnataka police department as well.

Pawan also sought the assistance of the Karnataka Forest Department to provide Kunki elephants to Andhra Pradesh. The need for these trained elephants arose due to the increasing number of wild elephants entering villages in Chittoor district, causing crop damage and endangering lives.

During his visit, Pawan met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Forest Minister Ishwar B Khandre. He was warmly welcomed by representatives of the Karnataka government, including Sudhindra, Chairman of the State Bio Energy Development Board, and Bharat Subrahmanyam, Advisor to the Board.

In a media briefing, Pawan expressed concern about the changing portrayal of heroes in cinema. He observed that while heroes in films from 40 years ago often played the role of forest protectors, today, characters engaged in illegal activities like deforestation and smuggling are often depicted as heroic. He cited the iconic Kannada film "Gandhada Gudi," starring Raj Kumar, as an example of how cinema should champion conservation efforts.

However, Pawan's comments have sparked speculation about a possible indirect dig at Allu Arjun, who portrays a sandalwood smuggler in the blockbuster film "Pushpa." While he did not explicitly name the film or actor, the timing and context of his remarks have fueled discussion amongst fans.

Pawan Kalyan's visit to Karnataka highlights the growing need for inter-state collaboration to address critical issues like wildlife conservation and cross-border crime. His comments on cinematic portrayals have also ignited debate about the role of films in shaping societal values and perceptions.