Mohan Goud, Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce, has raised concerns about the state of the film industry in Andhra Pradesh. He questioned whether the state truly has its own film industry or if it remains heavily dependent on Hyderabad.
Mohan Goud pointed out that more than a decade after the state’s division, the Telugu film industry continues to be centred in Hyderabad. Despite significant investments coming into Andhra Pradesh, very little has reached the local entertainment sector.
Speaking at a recent industry summit in Visakhapatnam, he expressed disappointment that not a single major agreement or memorandum for film development has been signed this year. He highlighted that many leading producers still choose Hyderabad for shooting rather than creating projects in Andhra Pradesh.
Infrastructure was another concern raised by Goud. He explained that there are insufficient outdoor shooting units and post-production facilities in the state. As a result, producers face higher costs if they try to work locally. To address this, he urged the government to establish studios and production centres in cities such as Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati, offering affordable rates to encourage filmmakers to shoot within the state.
Goud also criticised the lack of support for small‑budget films. He mentioned that although a subsidy scheme for smaller films had been announced previously, no projects have actually received aid. He added that reviving the Nandi Awards, which recognise excellence in Telugu cinema, would help motivate local talent and boost the industry.
Finally, Goud called on the government to collaborate more closely with the film chamber and appoint a full-time chairman to guide development. He stressed that only with proper planning and support can Andhra Pradesh build its own film identity and reduce its reliance on Hyderabad-centric cinema.
Without decisive action, he warned, the state risks losing out on opportunities to nurture local talent and develop a thriving film ecosystem.
