Hyderabad is poised to become a major centre for the Indian film industry, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said on Wednesday, outlining the government’s vision to strengthen cinema infrastructure and promote socially meaningful films.

Speaking at a meeting with jury members of the Gaddar Film Awards at the Secretariat, the Deputy CM stated that the state government is preparing a comprehensive master plan to support the growth of the film industry while encouraging cinema that conveys strong social messages.

He noted that traditional film hubs such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai face space constraints, whereas Hyderabad offers significant room for expansion. The city, he said, has the potential to accommodate film industries from multiple languages and evolve into a nationally significant production hub.

The Deputy CM also highlighted the revival of the Gaddar Film Awards, describing it as an effort to recognise cinema that contributes to social awareness and cultural expression. Named after the iconic revolutionary poet and artist Gaddar, the awards aim to celebrate films that blend commercial success with meaningful storytelling.

Assuring transparency in the selection process, he said merit and talent would remain the sole criteria for choosing award winners. He appreciated the jury members for their role in identifying deserving candidates and emphasised that expert consultations were conducted while forming the panel through the Film Development Corporation.

The Deputy CM further stressed that government initiatives in the cultural sector must ultimately serve societal interests. He encouraged jury members to promote films that not only perform well at the box office but also deliver positive social messages and encourage constructive public engagement.

Telugu actor Ram Charan was mobbed by a large crowd of fans outside a hospital in Hyderabad during a recent visit, with videos of the incident quickly going viral on social media. The footage shows enthusiastic supporters surrounding the actor and his young daughter as they exited the premises, prompting concerns over crowd management and safety.

In the circulating clips, security personnel appear to struggle in maintaining a clear path amid the swelling crowd. The situation escalated briefly as fans attempted to get closer for photographs and videos, leading to online criticism over the lack of adequate arrangements.

The actor was reportedly visiting family members at the hospital when the incident occurred. While no injuries were reported, the episode has reignited conversations about celebrity safety and public responsibility during high-profile appearances.

Social media users expressed mixed reactions — some defended the fans’ enthusiasm, while others questioned the absence of stronger crowd control measures to ensure the safety of the actor and his child.

The incident highlights recurring challenges faced by public figures in managing spontaneous gatherings, particularly in urban centres where star presence often draws large crowds within minutes.

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has once again shown his humorous side, revealing that he has been spending a good amount of his post-retirement time watching Tollywood films. The explosive opener joked that since he has “too much free time now,” he has become an active follower of Telugu cinema — and even named Mahesh Babu and Allu Arjun as two of his favorite stars.

Sehwag’s comments highlight how Telugu cinema has been steadily expanding its reach beyond regional boundaries. With Pan-India releases, strong storytelling, stylish filmmaking, and charismatic stars, Tollywood has built a massive following across the country, including among prominent personalities from sports and entertainment.

Praising Mahesh Babu for his screen presence and grace, Sehwag also appreciated Allu Arjun’s unmatched style and energetic performances. His remarks sparked excitement among fans, many of whom shared the clip widely on social media, celebrating the growing love for Telugu films nationwide.

Sehwag’s lighthearted confession not only reflects his fun personality but also underscores Telugu cinema’s increasing cultural influence across India — reaching audiences far beyond its traditional fan base.