The coastal region of Visakhapatnam is known for its stunning natural beauty. Nearly twenty-five years ago, the late Tollywood producer, Dr. D. Ramanaidu, established a studio on Visakha Beach Road with the hope of expanding the film industry in the area. However, despite state bifurcation, no film industry emerged in Andhra Pradesh, and the studio remains the same.
Reports suggest that the studio's maintenance cost is not being met. There were rumors in the past that the studio was being sold, but it turned out to be only partially true. Recently, former TDP minister Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy accused the YCP government of allowing layouts that violate regulations on land owned by star producer Suresh Babu.
He also alleged that government officials had disregarded rules and granted power of attorney to the GVMC Commissioner Rajababu to acquire seventeen acres of the studio land under mortgage. Murthy claimed that the current YCP government is also hindering the studio's development and accused them of illegally acquiring lands.
He stated that TDP leaders would fight a legal battle against Suresh Babu's attempt to lay out a significant part of the studio. However, there are rumors that the land may be taken from the government for one purpose and then converted for commercial use. The film industry has not yet moved to Visakha, even after a studio was built on the land.
The equipment at the studio remains unused, and the government may have permitted Suresh Babu to lay out a part of the studio. TDP is demanding that whoever is responsible for the wrongdoing be held accountable, including Commissioner Rajababu. Despite this, it is said that the government possesses special powers that no one can deny. Even Daggubati Suresh Babu, a film producer, supported TDP in the past and is not far from the party at present. The TDP is attempting to criticize and implicate Suresh Babu in the matter, but it remains to be seen how far they will go.
