Actor Suman, known for his polite demeanor, recently met with AP Minister Anagani Satya Prasad, to discuss the challenges facing the Telugu film industry in Andhra Pradesh.

Suman, who has been busy since the recent election results, made a point of meeting with the Minister ahead of a scheduled program tomorrow as a courtesy.

He emphasized that providing opportunities in AP goes beyond building studios. The film industry needs diverse locations to support not only big-budget productions but also the thriving small film scene.

“Only 20 percent of big films are made in AP, with the rest being filmed in foreign locations, he pointed out. Tamil and Malayalam films have the freedom to write stories and film anywhere, while Telugu films are often restricted.

Suman recalled a rule that required 20 percent of film production to take place in Hyderabad to attract the industry. He argues that this rule has backfired, as audiences are seeking fresh locations, and the lack of variety in AP is driving filmmakers away.

We've exhausted all the locations here, he said. Big films have the resources to build sets, but small films don't. We need more flexibility for small films to thrive.

Suman also highlighted the success of Telugu films that are dubbed into other languages, suggesting that the industry has the potential for even greater reach if given the freedom to explore diverse locations.

He proposed the development of a Film City-like facility in AP, with a convention center to accommodate small set construction. This, he believes, would not only attract more productions but also generate significant revenue.

All the producers in AP want to film here, he stated, but the cost of production is higher in Hyderabad. A meeting with the Deputy CM and the Cinematography Minister should be convened, and their recommendations should be presented to the CM.

Suman believes that the future of Telugu cinema lies in diverse storytelling and compelling locations, especially as OTT platforms become increasingly popular. He suggested that the industry look beyond traditional settings and embrace new and exciting locations, as it did in the past with song shoots in Kashmir.

Suman's meeting with the Minister is a crucial step in addressing the challenges facing the Telugu film industry in AP. His call for greater flexibility, support for small films, and a focus on location diversity could lead to a vibrant and sustainable film ecosystem in the state.