Mana Panel Promises Transparency and Support for Small Producers

The members of Mana Panel held a press meet ahead of the Producers Council elections, with C. Kalyan, Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao and Tummala Prasanna Kumar outlining their achievements and questioning the track record of the opposing panel.

C. Kalyan thanked the media and said that while others were making promises during the elections, the Mana Panel's work was already visible. He questioned what the opposing side, which has 16 members, had achieved over the last two-and-a-half years.

Kalyan raised questions about the Producers Council's funds allegedly being moved to the Guild, stating that those responsible for weakening the Council and benefiting from its money would eventually be exposed. He alleged that funds meant for struggling producers had been misused and challenged anyone to prove financial wrongdoing by members of his panel.

Emphasising the importance of small films, Kalyan said nearly 40,000 people depend on them for their livelihood and around 300 small films are released every year. He said the Producers Council must protect and support small producers and filmmakers.

“Our Mana Panel is committed to supporting small producers and small films,” he said, highlighting initiatives such as medical insurance benefits for producers. He also assured that if elected President, he would work together with all sections of the industry.

Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao recalled the growth of the Telugu film industry in Hyderabad and credited former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for supporting its development. He praised C. Kalyan and Tummala Prasanna Kumar and alleged that producers' money had been moved from the Council to the Guild.

He promised complete transparency if the Mana Panel was elected and appealed to producers to give the panel a strong majority to take responsibility for the industry's welfare.

Tummala Prasanna Kumar said he had consistently supported small producers and stood by them during difficult times. He stated that the Council had provided insurance benefits and addressed issues faced by Guild members while also supporting several major films.

Taking a dig at the opposition, Prasanna Kumar said their panel had failed to fulfil promises made earlier, while the Mana Panel had delivered on its commitments. He added that the panel was working positively with the government to resolve industry-related issues.

The Mana Panel leaders expressed confidence in receiving the support of producers and reiterated that transparency, welfare and the protection of small producers would remain their key priorities.