Megastar Chiranjeevi has responded in his signature style to comments made by actor and legislator Nandamuri Balakrishna during a recent Andhra Pradesh Assembly session. While on an overseas trip, Chiranjeevi issued a detailed statement titled Press Release, addressing the matter.
On 25 September, during the Assembly session, MLA Balakrishna commented on remarks made by Honourable Legislator Kamineni Srinivas. Balakrishna suggested that Chiranjeevi only approached the Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy after being “strongly asked.” Chiranjeevi, in his statement, described this as untrue, clarifying that no one had “asked strongly,” and that he had actually been invited to meet the Chief Minister to discuss film industry matters. He also mentioned observing Balakrishna’s remarks on live television, noting the sarcastic tone.
Chiranjeevi explained that his name came up in the discussion, prompting him to provide clarification to the public. He recounted that during Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure, several prominent film producers, directors, and Film Chamber representatives approached him regarding rising production costs and the need for ticket price adjustments. Notable industry figures who met him included Rajamouli, Koratala Siva, Trivikram Srinivas, Mahesh Babu, N.T. Rama Rao, and D.V.V. Danayya.
Following their suggestions, Chiranjeevi contacted then Cinematography Minister Perni Nani, who assured him that ticket pricing issues would be discussed. Subsequently, Chiranjeevi met the Chief Minister over lunch to explain the difficulties faced by the film industry and requested government support. Due to the COVID-19 second wave, only a few representatives could meet the Chief Minister at a time. Despite logistical challenges, Chiranjeevi and his team were able to communicate the industry’s concerns, leading to government approval for ticket price revisions.
Chiranjeevi emphasised that this decision benefited producers, distributors, and exhibitors alike, enabling films like Veera Simha Reddy and Valteru Veerayya to adjust ticket rates for industry gain. He concluded by stating that he always interacts with people, whether public officials or citizens, with respect and transparency.
