In a progressive stance, the Andhra Pradesh government has officially sanctioned a hike in ticket prices for the highly anticipated Kannada film Kantara Chapter -1, an ambitious project both directed by and starring the talented Rishab Shetty.
This decision comes despite initial opposition from certain factions within the Telugu film industry. These groups voiced concerns, referencing past challenges faced by Telugu films in Karnataka, which included restrictions on ticket pricing and issues with promotional material such as posters and banners during the releases of major films like RRR, Game Changer, Hari Hara Veera Mallu, and OG.
However, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan unequivocally asserted that art serves as a unifying force, not a tool for division based on language or geographical boundaries. They emphasized that there should be no discriminatory treatment towards non-Telugu films within the state. They reasoned that merely because Telugu cinema has encountered obstacles in Karnataka, it would be inappropriate to create similar difficulties for Kannada films in Andhra Pradesh.
Following discussions with Minister for Cinematography Kandula Durgesh and other department officials, Mr. Pawan Kalyan highlighted the importance of fostering generosity and national integration. He fondly recalled the enduring affection Telugu audiences have always shown for Kannada stars, from the legendary Rajkumar to contemporary icons such as Kiccha Sudeep, Upendra, Shivarajkumar, and Rishab Shetty.
He further suggested that commercial disagreements, like those concerning ticket pricing, should ideally be resolved through direct dialogue between the film industries of both states before government intervention becomes necessary. “For the time being,” he affirmed, “Andhra Pradesh will not impede the release or success of ‘Kantara Chapter-1’ or any other Kannada film, notwithstanding the challenges previously encountered by Telugu films in Karnataka.”