Big plans to develop film industry in Vizag

HYDERABAD: The considerable turnout of the film industry in the GHMC polls indicated one thing: there would be no shifting of the Telugu film industry from Hyderabad. Several film personalities including D Suresh Babu, president of Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, his brother and actor Venkatesh, Nagarjuna, Balakrishna, NTR Jr, and Krishna, were among those who cast their votes in the elections on Tuesday.
While the Telugu film industry will stay put in Hyderabad in the aftermath of the bifurcation, concrete plans are also being made to project Viskhapatnam as another film destination.
According to film industry sources, a get-together was organized by the film industry by the Filmnagar Cultural Society 10 days ago to thank the Andhra Pradesh government for allocating 15 acres of land at Kapulapadda in Visakhapatnam.
On the 15 acre of land, plans have been drafted to construct nearly 40 rooms, apart from a convention centre, health spa and other additional infrastructure.
"It will cost Rs 85 crore," noted producer K Ashok Kumar told TOI. "The idea is also to facilitate the film industry from Odisha and Tamil Nadu to make use of Vizag as a destination to shoot their films," he said.
While the question of the Telugu film industry shifting from Hyderabad will not arise as the Telangana government has also made it clear that it will encourage the film industry, the film industry is looking to leverage the scenic locales in Visakhapatnam in films.
After the formation of Telangana, it has been noticed that several small film producers have started making films and shooting in the Visakhapatnam area itself. The story is also revolving around places in those areas.
Additionally, according to film industry sources, a formal acting school is also being planned for those interested in getting into the film industry. It is being felt that the services of Satyanand, who has a training institute, could also be utilized to train actors.
The cultural centre for which the foundation stone was already laid by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu last year will be constructed in phases. The first phase of the construction is expected to be completed in about a year's time.
Though the AP state government has allocated the land for developing the cultural centre, it would be the responsibility of the film industry to mop up the funds to create the infrastructure. Sources said the film industry already has some plans in place to raise the funds.