Andhra Pradesh to roll out film tourism policy; eyes world-class studios and 20% industry share

Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said the government is working on a comprehensive film tourism policy aimed at strengthening the Telugu film industry from production to exhibition. Delivering the keynote address at the CII Big Picture Summit 2025 in Mumbai on December 1, he said the Telugu film industry, the second largest in the country after Hindi cinema, accounts for nearly 20% of India’s overall film sector.

He outlined the benefits being extended to investors in the Indian Media and Entertainment sector, stating that the government will fully support ventures developing integrated film cities, modern studios, dubbing units and re-recording facilities. Permissions for shooting in government and public spaces are being streamlined to make the process fast, transparent and hassle-free, he said. The Minister added that the Nandi Awards and Nandi Natakotsavams will be revived soon to promote new talent.

He said the government is offering full stamp duty reimbursement on land purchased or leased for eligible tourism projects, along with a waiver of land conversion charges. A 100% State Goods and Services Tax reimbursement is also being offered for up to 15 years. Direct capital subsidies are available up to 25% for MSME projects and 10% for large or mega projects.

Hospitality units will be supplied power at industrial tariffs and given a five-year exemption from electricity duty, reducing operational costs. He said seven major anchor hubs are being developed in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Amaravati, Srisailam, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram and Gandikota, with investment opportunities across 21 thematic circuits such as adventure, eco, temple and film tourism under a hub-and-spoke model.

Calling on investors to help build world-class studios and post-production infrastructure in the State, he said the new film policy is designed to incentivise the creation of such critical facilities by offering competitive support for investments in studios and allied services.

Earlier in the day, he took part in a discussion on drafting a roadmap for the Media and Entertainment sector’s growth in the AI era, alongside CII National Council member Rajan Navani, Sony Entertainment Business Head Nachiket Pantvaidya, Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada, Radio Mirchi CEO Yatish Mehrishi and others.