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Venkat Reddy made it clear that the screening of Kalyan’s films would only be permitted if the Jana Sena leader apologised for his “insulting” comments.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan addresses a gathering. (PTI file photo)
Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Tuesday warned that the films of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will not be allowed to release in Telangana unless he issues an apology for his controversial remarks about the state.
Speaking to the media, Venkat Reddy made it clear that the screening of Kalyan’s films would only be permitted if the Jana Sena leader apologised for his “insulting” comments regarding Telangana.
“Pawan Kalyan apologises, his movies will be screened at least for a couple of days,” Venkat Reddy said. “But, if he fails to apologise, his films will not release anywhere in Telangana. I am saying this as the minister for cinematography.”
Venkat Reddy, who also holds the roads and buildings portfolio, clarified that his statement was not aimed at megastar Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan’s elder brother, who he called as a “sober man” who stays away from controversies. However, he pointed out that Pawan Kalyan, after becoming the Deputy Chief Minister, had been making increasingly “controversial” statements.
The remarks that sparked the row were made by Pawan Kalyan during a visit to the Konaseema region in Andhra Pradesh, where he attributed the death of coconut trees to the “evil eye.” He suggested that the damage to the trees was linked to the bifurcation of the state, which resulted in the formation of Telangana in 2014.
These comments have drawn sharp criticism from leaders in Telangana, with many accusing Pawan Kalyan of attempting to undermine the state’s development. Animal Husbandry Minister Vakati Srihari said that Pawan Kalyan was “unable to digest” the remarkable progress Telangana has made since its formation. He further accused the Deputy Chief Minister of using such statements for political gain.
Congress MLA J. Anirudh Reddy also demanded an unconditional apology from Pawan Kalyan, questioning why the leader, if he believed Telangana had cast an “evil eye” on the region, continued to live in Hyderabad. “If Telangana has cast an evil eye on Godavari and Konaseema, why is Pawan Kalyan staying in Hyderabad?” Reddy asked, suggesting that Kalyan should consider selling his properties in the city and relocating to Vijayawada.
(With inputs from IANS)
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