Venkaiah to look into piracy, tax issues

Responding to a memorandum from the members of Southern Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCC) highlighting major industry concerns like piracy, infrastructure and tax exemption, Naidu said that the central ministry will soon address the issues that are threatening the southern movie industries. Naidu said, “Southern cinema has contributed to the Indian cinema immensely. 

The government understands that encouraging piracy is an injustice and will implement stringent law to abolish this illegal act.” He also went on to say that; a meeting will be held soon with the southern cinema industry representatives to discuss the possible measures of tax exemption and censorship along with the Shyam Benegal committee. 

The minister also tweeted, “Film industry has made certain representations to the Ministry. Rest assured of my best consideration on issues concerning the industry”. Stating that film makers should also be responsible while making films, Naidu said they should have self-censorship, because a section of films have overdose of violence and obscenity. 

The trend of following one particular theme, should be reduced, Naidu added. Earlier, Ravi Kottarakara, General Secretary, Film Federation of India said, “The southern film industry has produced 23,000 movies. However, at the national level, it is still being given a step-motherly treatment and is being made to pay a fee while shooting for movies across locations in India.”