After the ongoing issue about the Telugu Film Unions, Tollywood producer TG Vishwa Prasad gave several interviews in the last couple of days and he made several bold statements about how the producers are misinterpreted and how their efforts are wasted. Some of his statements are taken in a wrong manner and the top producer has issued an official statement about the recent misreadings. Here is his statement:
To clarify my stance and address recent misinterpretations, I want to make the following points clear regarding the Telugu film industry, talent in Hyderabad, and the issue of entry barriers:
Talent in Hyderabad: Hyderabad is home to exceptional talent. Currently, about 60-70% of the workforce involved in Telugu cinema-including our own productions- comes from this pool. Their contributions have been and continue to be central to the industry’s growth and vibrancy.
Skill Gap and Entry Barriers: The widening skill gap-from 10% to about 40% over time is not due to a lack of capable individuals in Hyderabad. Rather, it is primarily because new aspiring artists and technicians face significant entry barriers, including abnormal fees ranging from 5 to 7 lakh demanded by certain vested interests. This artificial blockade prevents a fresh influx of talent and skill development.
On Industry Nexus: My comments about the “nexus” refer specifically to networks or groups that, for their own benefit, restrict the entry of new talent, thus harming the industry’s long-term prospects. These actions are detrimental, as they not only increase costs but also stifle growth and the healthy evolution of skills.
Commitment to Local Talent: The vast majority of our workforce already comes from Hyderabad. Our goal should be to open more doors and create paths for upskilling, so the remaining gaps are also filled by homegrown talent. This way, we minimize reliance on external hires, recognizing and supporting our own.
Clarification: Any notion that I do not value Hyderabad talent or that my concern is about existing skill in the city is a misinterpretation. My criticism is directed exclusively at the systems that block new skill development and entry, not at our talented professionals themselves.
In summary, I strongly recognize and support the immense contributions of Hyderabad’s artists, technicians, and professionals. The way forward is to dismantle these unfair barriers, promote merit, reduce vested interests, and ensure that future growth is led by empowered local talent. This ensures both creative excellence and a thriving ecosystem for Telugu cinema.
