The Telugu Film Directors Association (TFDA) on Monday announced an ambitious plan to produce ten films with a combined budget of Rs 30 crore. The initiative will be backed by prominent industry stalwart Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao, who attended the media conference as chief guest.
TFDA president VN Aditya said the newly elected committee is prioritising education, healthcare and employment. He revealed that the idea came from Srinivasa Rao in March. “It is only with producers that our directors can sustain themselves,” he shared. Aditya added the project would create opportunities not only for directors but also for others. Around 100 to 150 assistant directors are expected to benefit. A committee has been formed to oversee the films. Senior directors Ajay Kumar and Prasanna Kumar will play key roles at the top. Scripts submitted by association members are already being reviewed. “If these films make profits, he has promised to give them to the union,” Aditya noted.
TFDA treasurer Sai Rajesh called the initiative a major boost. He said the panel had been thinking about job creation since winning elections. “With this opportunity, we will introduce new technicians and fresh talent,” he said. Rajesh added that the team is selecting the best stories and will maintain strict production control under Prasanna Kumar’s guidance.
Speaking at the event, Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao said service to cinema matters more than profits. “Even if I don’t earn money, working for this art gives me happiness,” he said. He recalled producing films with legends like Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Shobhan Babu. He cited his film Jeevitha Khaidi, made on a Rs 75 lakh budget, which earned him a Rs 7 crore share. He also reflected on changing industry dynamics. “Earlier, we completed films in 30 to 40 days. Now costs have gone up, but theatres have reduced,” he said. He pointed out that even capable filmmakers are getting fewer chances. That, he said, pushed him to support directors. Srinivasa Rao stressed discipline and quality. “Shoots should begin sharply at 7 a.m. We must make strong stories with values and commercial appeal,” he said. Helping artists and technicians sustain themselves, he added, is his main goal.
Director Ajay Kumar described the move as unprecedented. “Such an initiative may not have happened anywhere in the world,” he said. He recalled working under A. Kodandarami Reddy and said discipline once kept budgets in check. “If the script is right, the budget will stay within limits,” he added.
Prasanna Kumar highlighted Srinivasa Rao’s past contributions. During the COVID-19 period, he provided financial support to producers, workers and labourers. He helped over 4,000 families in Chitrapuri, Kumar said. He also mentioned a promise to provide 100 flats to journalist families. “We must protect people like him. They will protect our industry,” he said.
Director Samudra said Srinivasa Rao encouraged them not to fear losses. “If there are profits, 50% will go to TFDA,” he said. He assured that the team would be careful about both budgets and subjects. Filmmaker Naveen Medaram called the funding a blessing at a time when opportunities are shrinking. He expressed hope that members would make the most of it.
The TFDA now plans to fast-track script selection and begin production soon. The initiative is expected to open doors for a new batch of filmmakers and technicians.
