Telangana film industry finds itself divided as stakeholders slug it out for control of the proposed Telangana Film Development Corporation. The infighting among Telangana based filmmakers has caused CM K Chandrasekhar Rao to postpone instituting Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC). Since the formation of Telangana State,native filmmakers have been urging the government to establish the TFDC to facilitate the formation of official trade bodies and safeguard the interest of local film fraternity.

Several self-anointed Telangana film bodies have met the CM and presented multiple 'wish-lists' of measures needed to enable Telangana cinema emerge from the shadows of Telugu cinema. "The government has received multiple representations from various groups. But the infighting and ego clashes among the various representatives have created a lot of confusion for the officials of ministry of cinematography," rues President of the existing Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce, Vijayender Reddy, whose effigy was burnt by a rival camp which accused him of being pro-Andhra.

Director N Shankar, of Jai Bolo Telangana fame, had also formed the Telangana Cinema Force and filed a requisition seeking formation of a new Telangana Film Chamber, claims that a few "black sheep" within the fraternity are to be blamed. "Our file is pending with the Home Secretary for the last nine months. A few lumpen elements are trying to mar the momentum. But CM KCR is knowledgeable enough. Those who are trying to protect Andhra-born exhibitors won't have their way," says N Shankar.

Writer-director Prem Raj concurs, saying, "A few big Andhra-born filmmakers tried to influence the government to stall the bifurcation of the film industry. We were hopeful that TRS government would do justice but it's a pity that we still call ourselves 'Telugu film industry' even nine months after the formation of Telangana state.

Government officials are not taking the issue seriously and hinting 'meerantha okate kadha' (aren't you all one). It's not fair."

We are hoping that the government would establish TFDC soon and restore the lost identity of Telangana cinema. Appointing somebody like award winning Telangana filmmaker B Narsing Rao as the head of the TFDC would help revive Telangana cinema. — Sana Yadireddy,President, Telangana Producers' Council