Telugu actor Balakrishna, who often rocks his fans with his punch dialogue delivery, was recently seen blasting the officials International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the I&B ministry for ignoring Telugu cinema at the 100 Years of Indian cinema tribute. The Adhinayakudu star said that Tollywood is the No. 1 film industry, which has given highest contribution to Indian cinema when compared to other industries in the country.
Balakrishna recently attended the closing ceremony of the IFFI in Goa as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, the actor recalled the contribution of Telugu cinema to Indian films. He expressed his disappointment by saying there are several stalwarts in Tollywood like NTR, ANR and Guinness record holders like Ramanaidu and Dasari Narayan Rao, but unfortunately none of them was mentioned at the 100 Years of Indian cinema tribute.
This event was attended by international filmmakers, delegates, national media and the Indian film fraternity. Balakrishna's sudden outburst baffled the IIFI officials. The actor continued, "Telugu film industry has made a lot of classics and it boasts of great actors, directors and technicians, so how can it be ignored?"
"Initially, we wanted to return but later felt that our 'chief guest' could register our protest at the appropriate podium and our strategy worked. IIFI officials were dumbfounded since no guest has ever spoken against the organisers," said a source.
However, the IFFI organisers had reportedly ignored Tollywood completely in the documentary, which was intended to pay tribute to 100 years of Indian Cinema. Balakrishna was not only actor, who was upset with it. There were several biggies from Telugu film, who were fuming and they even considered on holding a press meet to condemn the IFFI organizers' mistake.
