Grand AP FDC Swearing-In Ceremony Held in Vijayawada in Presence of Balakrishna & Kandula Durgesh

A grand ceremony was held in Vijayawada marking the swearing-in and assumption of office of the newly appointed members of the Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation (AP FDC). The event witnessed the presence of several film personalities, political leaders, and dignitaries from the entertainment industry. Actor and MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna attended the ceremony as the chief guest along with Andhra Pradesh Cinematography, Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh. Newly appointed AP FDC Chairman Bharath Bhushan and other members officially took oath and assumed their responsibilities during the event.

Speaking on the occasion, AP FDC Chairman Bharath Bhushan expressed his gratitude to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Kandula Durgesh for entrusting him with the responsibility. He stated that he would work sincerely in line with the vision of the state government for the development of the film industry in Andhra Pradesh. Recalling the contribution of legendary actor and former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao in strengthening the Telugu film industry in 1984, Bharath Bhushan said the current government, under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu and with the support of Balakrishna, is once again taking significant steps toward rebuilding the industry ecosystem in the state. He assured that, along with the support of Pawan Kalyan and Kandula Durgesh, he would strive to contribute toward the growth of cinema in Andhra Pradesh.

Veteran actor Suman Talwar said he felt proud and happy when Balakrishna personally invited him to take up responsibilities in the AP FDC and contribute toward the development of the film industry in Andhra Pradesh. He recalled the efforts made by NTR in establishing studios despite several challenges and expressed hope that Amaravati would emerge as a major film hub similar to Hyderabad. Suman emphasized the need to protect distributors and encourage more film shootings in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the state’s abundance of scenic locations and infrastructure potential.

Actress and television personality Jhansi stated that it was an honor to serve alongside experienced personalities such as Balakrishna and others associated with the government. She praised Chandrababu Naidu’s earlier efforts toward the growth of the film industry during the united Andhra Pradesh era and expressed confidence that similar progress would now happen in Andhra Pradesh as well.

Director Meher Ramesh said it was a privilege to be chosen as part of the AP FDC and assured that all members would work collectively for the development of the film industry in the state. He also appreciated Pawan Kalyan’s passion and support toward cinema and the arts.

Writer Borra Sai Madhav stated that the positions given to them are not merely posts but responsibilities. He assured that the newly appointed members would work sincerely for the development of cinema, television, and theatre sectors in Andhra Pradesh.

Representing the theatre fraternity, Kandimalla Sambasiva Rao paid tribute to NTR and highlighted his immense love for theatre arts. He urged the government to continue supporting artists and cultural celebrations in the state and thanked the Andhra Pradesh government for giving him the opportunity to serve.

Director-producer Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao said it was an honor to participate in such a prestigious event held in the birthplace region of NTR. He announced plans to establish a studio in Amaravati and develop theatres across the state with government support. He also assured that several films would be shot along the banks of the Krishna River this year and expressed hope that Andhra Pradesh would regain its former cinematic glory.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Kandula Durgesh thanked Balakrishna for attending the event as chief guest and congratulated the newly appointed chairman and members of AP FDC. He stated that the previous government had neglected the film and arts sectors, but after the coalition government came to power in 2024, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan have been actively supporting the growth of arts and cinema in the state with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister announced that the government is committed to reviving prestigious initiatives such as the Nandi Awards and providing world-class infrastructure and support for film shootings in Andhra Pradesh. He added that many filmmakers from other industries are already showing interest in shooting films in the state due to its excellent locations and improving facilities.

Concluding the event, Nandamuri Balakrishna congratulated all newly appointed AP FDC members and emphasized the collective responsibility of rebuilding and strengthening the film industry in Andhra Pradesh. He stated that Andhra Pradesh has always been a major contributor to Telugu cinema collections and possesses excellent shooting locations across the state. Balakrishna said the government and people of Andhra Pradesh would extend full support for film shootings and industry development. He urged all members to utilize their experience and work actively toward reviving theatres, encouraging quality cinema, and ensuring the growth of the Telugu film industry in the state. He concluded by expressing confidence that Andhra Pradesh would soon emerge as a strong filmmaking destination with continued support for arts and cinema.

Representatives from the Telugu film industry, including members of film associations, the Producers Council, and various departments from all 24 crafts, along with distributors and exhibitors, attended the event and extended their heartfelt congratulations to all the newly appointed AP FDC members.