Tollywood told to fight for SCS

Vijayawada: Film producer Yalamanchali Ravichand staged ‘Jaladeeksha’ at Punnami Ghat here on Saturday seeking intervention of Tollywood in the ongoing agitation for Special Category Status.

By displaying placards, he also sought the involvement of heroes, directors and producers in Special Status Category stir. He said that the Telugu film industry was collecting Rs 1,000 crore annually from Andhra Pradesh alone.

But the people of the Telugu industry remained as mute spectators though the Centre was rendering injustice to the state, he pointed out. He said that the Telugu film industry should learn examples from Tamil film industry.

He questioned the members of film industry why they are not responding on the people’s issues. He wondered as to how the members of film industry were conducting meetings on their personal issues. At least, they should conduct one meeting on Special Status issue, he suggested.

He said that the issue would get more attention if the film industry involves on the issue. He said that the Tamil film industry unanimously extended support on various public issues. He said that extending support to public concern was responsibility of the film industry too.

The Telugu film industry was acting indifferently on important issues, he lamented. He said that he would stage novel protests until the film industry members respond on the issue. Several students and local people also took part in Jaladeeksha, along with the film producer.