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TFCC ropes in Kodanda to get govt help
TFCC ropes in Kodanda to get govt help. With the ruling TRS government turning a blind eye to issues plaguing Tollywood, Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) sought the support of Prof Kodandaram and took few TJAC members to meet Cinematography Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, a few days ago.
t-town crisis
Delegation along with TJAC chief calls on Cinematography Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav
wishlist
- Action against four lessees who hold 150-odd premium theatres
- Resume certification of small budget films, so that producer pays just 7% E tax
- Abolition of slab system to save 200-odd exhibitors
Hyderabad: With the ruling TRS government turning a blind eye to issues plaguing Tollywood, Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) sought the support of Prof Kodandaram and took few TJAC members to meet Cinematography Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, a few days ago.
Along with bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh Film and TV Development Corporation, TJAC members also sought plan of action to break the stranglehold of ‘four lessees’ who control 150-odd theatres in Telangana. Apart from issuance of certificate for small-budget films, the delegation demanded abolition of slab tax system in theatres, etc.
The 40-minute meeting between the Minister, Prof Kodandaram and 8-member Tollywood delegation turned out to be a fruitful one. “We are glad that Prof Kodandaram and few TJAC members could spare some time and joined us in the meeting with Minister and supported our wish list, and Minister assured to announce few decisions by June 2,” said Vijayender Reddy, president, Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce.
Formation of Telangana Film Federation Corporation tops the agenda, since it would enable the corporation to take decisions pertaining to the growth of Telangana cinema in new State. Another issue which has been affecting hundreds of producers’ is the monopoly of lessees who hold firm grip over 150-odd premium theatres in city.
“We brought up the issue of lessees monopoly and Minister assured to look into it,” added Reddy, who feels that government could resume issuance of tax certificate for small-budget films. “If government certifies a small film, a film released with below 35 prints, then they need to pay just seven per cent entertainment tax instead of 14 per cent, this would help 200 small producers,” he added.
Exhibitors also sought abolition of slab tax system since it has become outdated as it was introduced by the late Chief Minister NTR in 1980’s. “Then there were no TV’s and other forms of entertainment for people, but now it has become redundant,” added another exhibitor on condition of anonymity.
“Except for five cities Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Khammam, 200-odd exhibitors have to cough up fixed slab rate of Rs 9,000 for four shows per day even if theaters are empty, whereas city theaters pay tax on the basis of actual ticket sales, which is unfair,” he said.
By BVS Prakash
