He also backed Revanth Reddy and the Hyderabad police, saying they were only discharging their duties and there was nothing wrong with what they did: “That is Revanth Reddy. Even if I were involved, he would have acted the same way… It would have been better if someone from the industry or the family had met the family of the deceased and offered condolences and help.”
In the aftermath of the incident, there have been reports of a Telangana–Andhra divide as well, however.
It should be noted that the major film stars and studios are all of Andhra origin, especially the Allu and Konidela clans who dominate the film industry; but the studios themselves are in Hyderabad.
This came to be highlighted when a Congress MLA openly warned the ‘Andhrawallahs’ to behave. Bhupathi Reddy, the MLA, asked, “What have you people done for Telangana? Be careful, or we won’t even let your films release here.”
Andhra politicians countered by asking the industry to shift to their state, promising full backing.
The ego of Alluru Arjun after the heady success of the film, which grossed Rs 1,400 crore in the first two weeks of release, led to the standoff, many others believe.
This was the position unequivocally stated by film producer Tammareddy Bharadwaj, who said the film star’s ego had forced the entire film industry to bow down before the chief minister — he was referring to the film industry representatives’ meeting with Revanth Reddy.
To the delegation of 21 producers, 13 directors and 11 actors, Revanth Reddy had recommended that they behave with restraint and not overreach themselves.
Bharadwaj added that the film stars may be treated like gods by their fans, but need to remember they’re just human beings like everyone else. It’s a lesson the industry has had to learn the hard way.
