Film Chamber polls turn battle of nerves

The election of office bearers of Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce (APFCC) seems to have split the industry into two groups - one supported by veteran director Dasari Narayana Rao and the other supported by D Suresh Babu, current president of APFCC. The two camps are all set to prove their strength at the polls to be conducted on Sunday, July 29.

One panel led by Tammareddy Bharadwaja includes actor Vijaya Chandar, Producers' council secretary Prasanna Kumar, directors association president Sagar, actress - director Jeevita Rajasekhar, producers Natti Kumar, Chadalawada Srinivasa Rao, CN Rao, Mohan Goud, P Malliaha, K Jagadeeswara Reddy, Yalamanchi Ravichand, Jyoti Prasad and others. It has officially announced Tammareddy as its presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, the other panel led by Sravanthi Ravi Kishore includes big shots like C Kalyan, K Ashok Kumar, Dil Raju, DVV Danayya, Nallamalapu Bujji, Damodar Prasad, Venugopal, V Mohan, Suresh Kondeti and others.

However, there is still no clarity regarding the presidential candidate in this panel. The possible names are C Kalyan and Sravanthi Ravikishore. The latter panel is backed by big shots like Suresh Babu, Allu Aravind, Shyam Prasad Reddy and et cetera.

The talk has it that considering the criminal allegations on C Kalyan, the panel has tactically bringing Sravanthi Ravi Kishore's name to the fore who himself branded as a poised and suave man.

The rumour mill is that the move is to woo the voters and might end up declaring C Kalyan as the president if they win the election.

The final nomination will be decided after the results of the members of the executive committee and sector are announced. The sector has already unanimously elected its members.

However, the differences between the veterans are one of the main reasons and it seems the rift has widened with the election as they are taking digs at each other openly.

Producer-director Tammareddy Bharadwaja blames,'Tollywood is ailing with severe and umpteen problems. There is an undeclared monopoly in the industry as they hold majority of theatres in the state and ruling the industry by neglecting 'small producers' and small ticket films.

APFCC is not meant for only 'big producers' and it should cater to the all sections. In fact, it was started by the grass root workers. We're biased towards small film producers. If we would elect, I'd like to take steps against the intermediary system that ails industry which would help the exhibitors, distributors and producers.'

Producer and present president of APFCC Suresh Babu says, 'We have no qualms to work under the aegis of veterans. At the same time we expect the younger generation to take the reign. We plan to use the latest technology to solve the issues regarding piracy and I'd already brought a few changes in the system.'

Tammareddy who is confident about his victory says, 'This election is like recent by-elections held in the state where the opposition (YSRC) took on ruling party (Congress). We're going to sweep this election as we could see the positive vibes.'

Director association president Sagar says, 'Tammareddy is people's man. He is contesting this election following our repeated request. I urge all the voters to cast their vote to us.'

Refuting the allegations that they are against small producers, producer C Kalyan told Hans Talkies, 'I'm also a small producer as out of 40 films I produced 35 were small budget films. Moreover, 7 members are small budget producers in our Active Panel.'

Taking potshots at his 'guru' Dasari, C Kalyan told, 'Yes, we respect Dasari garu as he is a veteran. But why didn't he persuade both the camps and arrange for unanimity?

Why is he encouraging a person who is a trade union leader as a president? In addition, he is backing the person (Natti Kumar) who had once bluntly taken on him.' 'The blame game will have a drastic impact on the council post the elections,' said an insider.

Each year, the president of APCC is elected from each sector. Last year, D Suresh Babu was elected from the Studio Sector and this year it is the turn of Producer Sector.

The election is held to choose 12 EC members and 20 sector members for Producer Sector; 16 EC members and 40 Sector members for Exhibitor Sector; 12 EC members and 20 sector members for Distributor Sector; and 4 EC members and 7 sector members for Studio Sector.

The total number of votes is 3574 votes of which 1158 votes are from producers' sectors, 568 votes are from distribution sector, 1800 votes from exhibitor sector, and 48 votes from Studio sector.

The election will be held between 8.00 am to 1.00 pm on Sunday at Film Chamber and the results would be out on the same day by the evening.