Pawan Kalyan should apologise for his remarks on state or his films won’t be screened: Komatireddy

Hyderabad: Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Tuesday issued a stern warning that films starring Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan will not be permitted for theatrical release in Telangana unless he tenders an unconditional public apology for his ‘insulting’ remarks against the State.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said there would be no relaxation until an apology is issued.

“If Pawan Kalyan apologises, his films may be screened at least for a couple of days. If he does not, none of his films will be allowed to be released anywhere in Telangana. I am saying this in my capacity as the Cinematography Minister,” he asserted.

‘Chiranjeevi not involved in controversy’

Spelling out that the issue was strictly political, Komatireddy said megastar Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan’s elder brother, had no role in the controversy. “Chiranjeevi is a composed individual who has always stayed away from political disputes,” he said.

‘New to office, making controversial statements’

The minister remarked that Pawan Kalyan, after assuming office as the Deputy Chief Minister, had been repeatedly making provocative statements. “At a time when Telangana has completed 12 years of its formation and entered its 13th year, such offensive comments are deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the people,” he said.

‘Evil Eye’ remark sparks row

The latest flashpoint was Pawan Kalyan’s recent comment blaming the ‘evil eye’ for the damage to coconut plantations in the Konaseema region during his visit to inspect trees affected by seawater intrusion from a drain. The remark was widely perceived as an indirect reference to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, triggering sharp reactions across Telangana.

Srihari says Pawan Kalyan ‘lacks political maturity’

Animal Husbandry Minister Vakati Srihari alleged that the Jana Sena chief was unable to come to terms with the rapid development achieved by Telangana.

“These statements reflect political immaturity and are aimed purely at gaining mileage,” he said, demanding that Pawan Kalyan immediately withdraw his comments.

Jadcherla MLA seeks unconditional apology

Congress MLA from Jadcherla, J Anirudh Reddy, also demanded that the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister issue an unconditional apology.

“If Telangana has really cast an evil eye on Godavari and Konaseema, why is he living in Hyderabad?” he asked. He further challenged Pawan Kalyan to dispose of his properties in Hyderabad and move to Vijayawada.