Film Shoots: AP is cheaper than TS

Ap is cheAper than TS for Film Shoots. Telugu film producers in Telangana are grAppling with escalating location charges, posing a significant financial challenge. The cost of shooting at various locations within the state now ranges from Rs 15,000 to Rs 3,00,000 per day, leaving producers with a hefty bill that eats into their budgets.

Adding to their concerns is the cumbersome process of obtaining permissions from various government departments, driving many producers to explore shooting options in neighboring Andhra Pradesh. Comparatively, Andhra Pradesh offers a more cost-effective solution by providing public locations for film shootings at no charge.

According to producer-director Teja, who recently shot his film 'Ahimsa' in picturesque spots in Andhra Pradesh, they only had to pay a nominal fee of Rs 1000 as document charges to the ApFDC (Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation) for permissions to shoot in parks, flyovers, streets, hospitals, dams, and highways. This translates to substantial savings, ranging from Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 35 lakhs per film, allowing small and medium-budget filmmakers to work without hassles.

In contrast, Telangana, particularly Hyderabad, has seen a significant increase in location charges over the years. A park, which used to cost Rs 5000 per day, now demands Rs 50,000. The cost of shooting at popular locations like Tombs has also skyrocketed from Rs 5000 to Rs 50,000. Charges for interior roads and main roads vary between Rs 25,000 to Rs 1,00,000, with numerous restrictions. Premium spots like the Cable Bridge over Durgam Chevuru command a steep fee of Rs 3.5 lakhs, and shooting is only allowed at midnight. Additionally, T Hub charges Rs 2 lakhs per day, even for small budget films.

While Telangana does have a single window system for obtaining permissions, some issues persist, especially with local police support at public shooting locations. Producers often receive inadequate protection, forcing them to put the lives of actors, actresses, and technicians at risk due to crowd control challenges. This has made shooting in public places in Telangana a daunting prospect for many.

In conclusion, Telangana-based producer Abhishek Nama acknowledges the cost advantages of shooting in Andhra Pradesh but highlights the logistical challenges of transporting actors and crew. He Appeals to the Telangana government, led by KCR, to reconsider location charges, making it more feasible for small and medium producers. Despite the challenges, the single window system in Telangana is seen as a valuable resource for filmmakers, provided it can be further improved to ensure a smooth shooting experience.