Ahead of the upcoming edition of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) elections, the Progressive Panel today held a press conference to outline their vision for the industry. Key producers and panel members addressed concerns regarding administrative delays, producer welfare, and the future of industry infrastructure. The leaders of the Progressive Panel concluded the meet with a call for a "one-sided victory." They urged voters to prioritize transparency, protection for producers, and an increase in active film production as the primary goals for the next term.
Veteran producer KS Rama Rao expressed disappointment that the agenda of the progressive faction have stalled. He criticized some members for prioritizing money-lending interests over industry growth. "The TFCC building was constructed for the benefit of the entire industry," Rao reminded the gathering. He further clarified that the Progressive Panel’s sole objective is the unity and protection of producers. He also dismissed recent allegations against the Producers Guild as mere rumors.
Producer Ashok Kumar alleged that certain factions had intentionally delayed the process. He demanded that leadership roles within the Chamber should be reserved for those actively producing films, as only they know practical issues concerning filmmaking.
'Sravanthi' Ravi Kishore explained that the Producers Guild was established specifically to meet the urgent needs of producers. He addressed practical concerns such as the Guild trying to negotiate terms with Qube and UFO. He clarified that GST costs on Mediclaim necessitated a more targeted approach to ensure benefits reach those truly eligible.
Producer Y Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers urged all producers to cast their vote in favour of their panel. "Although we couldn't reach some of you, please take this as our personal appeal for your vote," he added.
KL Damodar Prasad urged members to keep "petty politics" out of essential services like producer insurance. He also reminded everyone that it's the producers belonging to the Progressive Panel that worked with the government to tackle film piracy.
The panel is also seized of other urgent issues like resolving long-standing labor issues; standardizing union wages; maintaining a strong, positive relationship with the government for industry support.
Other producers like SKN argued that there is no point in playing the victim card, claiming that they are small producers. "Nobody is big or small. The likes of Allu Aravind garu, Suresh Babu garu, and Dil Raju garu have been representing everyone's interests with the government. It's we who take all the pains, and only we know what it takes to resolve issues. The rival panel (Mana Panel) is like those cricket viewers who have opinions on how Kohli must play a shot. They only have suggestions. They have never put themselves to any task," he reminded.
Producer Dheeraj Mogilineni praised some producers for constantly making movies and providing livelihood to thousands. Most of those who call themselves producers, he reminded, don't make even one movie in five years. "They are not knowledgeable. They are not updated. They have on idea about technological advances. If an issue arises, say, with BookMyShow, they don't even know how to work out things with them. Their awareness is dated, and they are stuck in the past," he added.
