Will Telangana Minister Block Pawan Kalyan's Films Over 'Insulting' Comments?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has threatened to ban Pawan Kalyan's films in Telangana.
- Pawan Kalyan's remarks were deemed offensive to the people of Telangana.
- An unconditional apology is demanded for the films to be screened.
- The incident highlights the intersection of politics and cinema.
- Political leaders in Telangana have reacted strongly against Kalyan's comments.
Hyderabad, Dec 2 (NationPress) – Telangana's Minister for Cinematography, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, issued a stern warning on Tuesday, stating that films featuring Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, will face a ban from being released in theatres across Telangana unless he offers an apology for his offensive remarks regarding the state.
Reddy informed reporters that the release of Pawan Kalyan's films would only be authorized following an unconditional apology for his statements.
“Should Pawan Kalyan apologize, his movies may be screened for at least a few days; however, if he refuses, they will not be shown anywhere in Telangana. This is my position as the minister for cinematography,” asserted Venkat Reddy, who also oversees the roads and buildings portfolio.
He emphasized that this matter is not connected to Megastar Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan's elder sibling. “Chiranjeevi is a composed individual who steers clear of controversies,” he stated.
Reddy noted that Pawan Kalyan, being relatively new to politics, has made contentious statements since assuming the role of Deputy Chief Minister.
In light of Telangana marking its 12th anniversary and entering its 13th year, Pawan Kalyan's remarks, deemed insulting, came at a particularly sensitive time.
Recently, the Deputy Chief Minister attributed the plight of dying coconut trees in the Konaseema region to an 'evil eye', a statement that sparked outrage among Telangana leaders.
During a visit to examine the coconut trees affected by seawater from a drain, he referred to the alleged 'evil eye', seemingly alluding to the bifurcation of the state.
His comments received backlash from Telangana's political figures, including Animal Husbandry Minister Vakati Srihari, who suggested that Pawan Kalyan is struggling to accept the significant progress made in Telangana.
Srihari criticized the Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM for his immaturity and accused him of making such statements for political gain, demanding an immediate retraction.
Congress MLA J. Anirudh Reddy from Jadcherla also called for Pawan Kalyan to issue an unconditional apology, questioning, “If Telangana has cast an evil eye on Godavari and Konaseema, why is Pawan Kalyan residing in Hyderabad?”
He even suggested that Pawan Kalyan should sell his properties in Hyderabad and relocate to Vijayawada.