Hyderabad Set to Compete With Mumbai, Chennai as Film Hub

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.