Tollywood producers, who have lined up big films like Param Veera Chakra and Mirapakai for release on January 12 and 13, are keeping their fingers crossed. There is always a chance that the simmering Telangana agitation might erupt violently and prevent the cash registers from ringing.
Producer C. Kalyan has planned the release of Param Veer Chakra with 400-odd prints in more than 600 theatres. "Political issues will always be there, but we are going ahead with the release of our film on January 12," he said.
Last year`s Sankranti release, NTR`s Adhurs was crippled by Telangana activists who disrupted its screening. It was withdrawn from theatres after just a couple of weeks.
Two other films, Namo Venkatesa and Sambo Siva Sambo, were also released at the same time, but it was NTR`s film that was targeted because he was a TD campaigner. Now it is the turn of his uncle, Balakrishna, with his patriotic saga Param Veer Chakra.
The film will be released in 120-odd theatres in the Telangana region. Vijayender Reddy, president of the Telangana Chamber of Commerce, rules out any apprehensions.
"We have spoken to Kodandaram, the leader of the Osmania University JAC, and he has assured us that films will not be targeted. In the second phase, if they give a bandh call, we will co-operate by suspending screening for 72 hours. If any person expresses his opinion against Telangana, then we can`t help it," he said.
