The Andhra Pradesh Assembly turned into a battleground of words on Thursday, September 25, as sharp exchanges broke out during a debate on law and order. The uproar began when Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA and veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna described former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as a “psycho.” The remark immediately heightened tensions in the House, sparking a war of words between members of the ruling and opposition parties.
The controversy stemmed from a reference made by BJP MLA Kamineni Srinivas, who recounted an incident involving the film industry’s delegation meeting with Jagan Mohan Reddy during his tenure as Chief Minister. Srinivas alleged that Reddy had initially declined to meet the delegation, directing them instead to hold discussions with the then Cinematography Minister. According to his account, it was only after actor-politician Chiranjeevi strongly objected and insisted that the Chief Minister himself address the matter that Reddy agreed to meet the representatives.
Balakrishna, however, dismissed this version of events, calling it “false.” He claimed that Jagan had no intention of engaging with the film industry delegation, even when Chiranjeevi voiced concerns. He further added that the delegation had first been asked to interact with the Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh, highlighting what he saw as the former Chief Minister’s reluctance to directly engage with Tollywood figures.
As the debate gained attention beyond the Assembly, actor Chiranjeevi stepped in to issue a detailed clarification. In a statement released from abroad, he explained that several key members of the film industry—including Rajamouli, Koratala Siva, Trivikram Srinivas, and others—had approached him over their struggles with rising production costs and the need to increase cinema ticket prices. Responding to their concerns, Chiranjeevi said he initially reached out to then Cinematography Minister Perni Nani, who later informed him that the Chief Minister would meet with the delegation.
Chiranjeevi clarified that it was his intervention that led to the eventual meeting with Jagan Mohan Reddy. He personally accompanied a smaller group, including filmmaker R Narayana Murthy, to engage with the Chief Minister after other attempts to involve Balakrishna in the discussions did not materialize. Stressing the positive outcome of his initiative, he said that the government ultimately approved higher ticket prices, which provided much-needed relief to producers, distributors, and exhibitors within the industry.
In his statement, Chiranjeevi also underscored that he has always communicated with political leaders and the public respectfully and straightforwardly. He emphasized that the decision to clarify his role was necessary, given the claims being made in the Assembly. The clarification, issued through a press release, sought to put an end to the controversy, even as he continues his commitments abroad.
The incident reflects not just the sharp political rivalries in Andhra Pradesh but also the frequent intersections between cinema and politics in the state. With Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi both being towering figures in Telugu cinema and active players in political life, such debates carry significant weight in shaping public opinion.
