Press Release
Date: 01.12.2025
Amaravati
New Era for AP Cinematography
Telugu Cinema standing as a Global Brand
We will make AP the most film-friendly state for shooting in the country
We will unveil a comprehensive new ‘Film Tourism Policy’ in AP
If investments are made in the Indian Media & Entertainment sector, we will provide the necessary encouragement and assurance… Let’s work together to create a new chapter in the Telugu Film Industry
The AP Government will provide complete support to ventures building Integrated Film Cities, Modern Film Studios, Dubbing Theatres, and Re-recording facilities
Prioritizing talent, we will conduct the Nandi Awards and Nandi Drama Festival soon
Minister Kandula Durgesh revealed this to investors at the ‘CII Big Picture Summit-2025’ being held in Mumbai
Minister Durgesh delivered a keynote address on investment opportunities in Film and Tourism sectors and invited investments
Amaravati: Minister Kandula Durgesh announced that a new chapter is being written for the Telugu Film Industry in Andhra Pradesh, a prime center for film shootings and tourism, marking the start of a new era for AP Cinematography. State Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography, Kandula Durgesh, delivered a keynote address at the prestigious ‘CII Big Picture Summit – 2025’, being held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Juhu, Mumbai, on December 1 and 2. He stated that they are working fast to unveil a comprehensive new ‘Film Tourism Policy’ in AP. He described it as a visionary document intended to strengthen the Telugu film industry from production to exhibition. Minister Kandula Durgesh called on investors to work together, assuring them that if they invest in the Indian Media and Entertainment sector, the necessary encouragement and assurance will be provided.
Telugu Cinema – Global Brand: Minister Kandula Durgesh
Minister Kandula Durgesh stated that the Telugu film industry stands as the second largest in India after Hindi cinema. He clarified that it contributes nearly 20% to the national film industry. He mentioned that Andhra Pradesh has 1,103 screens, the highest after Tamil Nadu. He stated that world-class films like ‘Baahubali, RRR, Kalki 2898 AD, Pushpa series, Salaar, OG’ have set new benchmarks in box office collections, showcasing brilliant storytelling, visual effects, and production quality, proving Telugu creativity and making Telugu cinema a global brand. Minister Durgesh assured that the state government is determined to provide complete support to the industry.
Revival of Nandi Awards and Nandi Natakotsavams Soon: Minister Kandula Durgesh
Minister Kandula Durgesh said that the future of the Indian Media and Entertainment sector is vibrant, digital, and global, and Andhra Pradesh is determined to be at the forefront of this transformation. He clarified that they will make AP the most film-friendly state for shooting in the country. He announced that a comprehensive new ‘Film Tourism Policy’ will be unveiled soon to strengthen the industry from production to exhibition. He assured that the government will provide complete support to ventures building Integrated Film Cities, Modern Studios, Dubbing and Re-recording facilities. He revealed that permissions for shooting in government and public spaces are being streamlined to be fast, transparent, and hassle-free. Furthermore, he stated that they are prioritizing talent. In this regard, he announced the intention to revive the prestigious Nandi Awards and Nandi Natakotsavams soon, thereby demonstrating their commitment to the state’s artists, technicians, and cultural heritage.
Wide Range of Benefits for Investing in AP: Minister Kandula Durgesh
Minister Kandula Durgesh explained the key benefits provided by the AP government to those investing in the Indian Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. He clarified that granting ‘Industry Status’ to the tourism and hospitality sectors in AP makes them instantly eligible for all types of subsidies. He explained that the state government is targeting ₹25,000 Crore ($3 Billion) in private investment by 2029, already possessing an investment pipeline of approximately ₹24,000 Crore, with over ₹6,000 Crore worth of investments having received government approvals. He stated that measures are being taken to increase the current 3,500 classified rooms in the state to 50,000 to meet the rapidly growing demand. He mentioned offering 100% Stamp Duty reimbursement on land purchase/lease and a waiver of Land Conversion Charges for eligible tourism projects. He noted that 100% State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) reimbursement is provided for up to 15 years, ensuring a sustained revenue advantage. He detailed that direct capital subsidies are available: up to 25% for MSME projects and 10% for large/mega projects. Additionally, hospitality units are provided with electricity at industrial rates and a five-year exemption from electricity duty, which reduces operational expenditure.
We will make AP a Global Hub for sectors like AI, VFX, Gaming: Minister Durgesh
Minister Durgesh stated that their goal is the ‘Swarnandhra Vision @ 2047’ blueprint, which aims to transform Andhra Pradesh into a $2.4 Trillion economy by 2047. He revealed that they are investing heavily to make AP a Global Hub (‘Andhra Valley’) for sectors like AI, VFX, and Gaming. Minister Durgesh explained that Andhra Pradesh offers an amazing blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, spanning from beaches to rivers and pilgrimage centers to hill stations. He noted that crores of devotees flock to iconic pilgrimage centers like Tirupati and Srisailam, while nature lovers enjoy the cool hill stations of Araku Valley and Lambasingi (“Kashmir of Andhra”). In this context, he mentioned developing seven main Anchor Hubs—including Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Amaravati, Srisailam, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram, and Gandikota—and inviting diverse investment pathways across 21 thematic circuits like Adventure, Eco, Temple, and Film Tourism through a robust “Hub-and-Spoke” model. He stated that he, along with CM Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, is paying special attention to the development of Cinema, Culture, and Tourism, recognizing films as a powerful tool for global tourism promotion. He emphasized leveraging cinematography to showcase AP’s beauty to the world.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Vision is Clear: Minister Kandula Durgesh
Minister Durgesh stated that their vision is to adopt sustainable practices and provide world-class infrastructure to tourists, leveraging cinematography and historical heritage. Highlighting the extensive opportunities in film tourism, he mentioned that they possess beautiful locations, industry talent, and global hits. He urged investors to invest in creating world-class studios, dubbing, and post-production facilities. He reiterated that the new Film Policy is specifically designed to reward the creation of this critical infrastructure, offering competitive incentives for investments in studios and support services. Furthermore, he noted their enthusiasm to work towards building a true ‘Knowledge Economy,’ not just limiting efforts to job creation, by nurturing Global Thinkers and world-class technicians. He revealed that by attracting high-value intellectual capital in the M&E sector, they aim for their creative output to be globally competitive and serve as the gateway for South Indian content to the world, speaking at the CII Big Picture Summit.
Minister Durgesh assured investors that a stable, transparent, and business-friendly administration is the foundation of the AP system, and attractive incentives will be provided to every investor who believes in their responsible vision. Minister Durgesh called upon them to work together to lead the Indian Media and Entertainment sector towards the $100 Billion level.
Minister’s Meetings as part of the CII Big Picture Summit:
As part of the CII Big Picture Summit, Minister Kandula Durgesh met with CII official Sanjay Katwani in the morning. Later, he participated in a prestigious discussion on drafting a roadmap for the future growth of the Media & Entertainment sector in the current AI era, alongside CII National Council Member Rajan Navani, Sony Entertainment Business Head Nachiket Pantvaidya, IBFD Secretary General Avinash Pandey, Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada, Radio Mirchi CEO Yatish Mehrishi, and JW Marriott Founder and CEO Biren Ghose.
Subsequently, Minister Durgesh and Tourism Department MD Amrapali Kata discussed with YouTube (India) MD Gunjan Soni. Tourism MD and APTA CEO Amrapali Kata gave a feature presentation to panellists, including Cube Cinema Founder Senthil Kumar, Joint Secretary of Central Information, Film, and Broadcasting Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan, Indian Actor and Producer Prosenjit Chatterjee, Story Writer and Producer K. Ravi, and Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association President Abhay Kumar Sinha, focusing on strengthening film sector infrastructure. Similarly, Minister Durgesh held separate meetings with representatives of Basic Play Studio, Papa Film Entertainment Private Limited, Picture Perfect, Raletta, and Kalpavvana Studios, along with Indian Association of Amusement Parks Industries Secretary General Anil Padwal, Imagica World CEO Dhimant Bhakshi, and Vice President of Domestic Business and MICE, Thomas Cook Private Limited, Aman Mahajan, explaining the investment opportunities and incentives offered in the state.
Issued by: PRO, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography.
