Hyderabad: In a landmark step toward strengthening cultural, cinematic, and creative ties between Telangana, Assam, and the North-East, an MoU was formally exchanged between the Assam State Film Development Corporation and the Telangana State Film Development Corporation in the presence of Hon’ble Governor Jishnu Dev Varma. The agreement lays the foundation for joint film production, shooting collaborations, festivals, and training initiatives across the regions.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma: “Cinema is the strongest bridge of unity”
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma praised the growing partnership, calling cinema “one of the most powerful mediums to bind society and keep the nation together.”
Speaking at the Telangana–North East Connect event, he lauded the presence of national award winners and appreciated the leadership of both state governments and film bodies.
“The slogan ‘Where Dreams Speak’ reflects what cinema truly does. It transcends boundaries, speaks to everyone, and unites cultures.”
He highlighted the reach of Telugu cinema—even in remote villages of Tripura—and expressed hope that future festival editions, especially the film segment, would be hosted in Assam.
Calling the North-East an “emerging powerhouse of stories and talent,” he stressed the need for synergy between art and technology. He also highlighted Telangana’s strengths, including the Telugu Film University and Ramoji Film City, describing them as invaluable for young North-East filmmakers.
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The Governor announced that while Phase 1 focuses on films, music, dance, and literature, Phase 2 will expand the collaboration into IT, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
“Unity is built through collaboration, cooperation, and compassion — not slogans. Hyderabad is the perfect, warm city to begin this journey.”
Assam ACS Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy: “A beautiful marriage of art and science”
Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of Assam, termed the MoU a landmark step aligned with the Governor’s vision of strong Telangana–North East cultural ties.
He said the North-East—often seen as remote—is a reservoir of creativity, especially in music.
“Much of Bollywood and even Tollywood’s music is powered by unseen talent from the North-East.”
He emphasized that the MoU is not limited to film tourism but includes joint productions, festivals, workshops, and advanced skill development.
Showcasing the scale of North-East culture, he said: “Bihu or Juhur festivals bring together not hundreds, but 15,000 performers. These are global-scale celebrations.”
Dr. Chakravarthy described this collaboration as a personal bridge connecting his Janmabhoomi (Telangana) and Karmabhoomi (North-East).
“It is truly a marriage of art and science.”
He linked the initiative to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of the North-East as India’s future growth engine and gateway to Southeast Asia.
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Encouraging filmmakers to explore the region, he added: “From the land of Kamakhya to icons like S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, this partnership connects two culturally powerful regions.”
Assam Film Corporation Chairman Simanta Shekar: “North-East is India’s Natural VFX”
Simanta Shekar, Chairman, Assam State Film Development Corporation, highlighted how rapidly improving connectivity is opening new opportunities for filmmaking.
“I flew directly from Guwahati to Hyderabad today. Daily direct flights now connect Guwahati and North-East capitals with major Indian cities.”
With enhanced highways, hotels, resorts, and tourism infrastructure, Assam and the North-East are now equipped to host large film productions.
He noted that film shoots have already begun: “A Telugu film was shot in Guwahati last year. Assamese artists even performed in Telugu.”
Pitching the region’s raw beauty, he said: “We call it Natural VFX. What visual effects try to recreate, the North-East offers naturally — diverse, untouched landscapes.”
Shekar welcomed filmmakers to explore Assamese and North-East locations, collaborate with regional artists, and even produce Assamese-language films.
Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy: “Telangana welcomes North-East cinema”
Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Minister for Roads & Buildings and Cinematography, said cinema knows no boundaries and Telangana offers rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and world-class production infrastructure.
He highlighted the global rise of Telugu cinema — from international recognition to Oscars.
“Hyderabad is home to some of India’s best studios and technical facilities. We invite filmmakers to make Telangana their first choice and assure full support for North-Eastern film productions.”
Festival Honours
At the Telangana–North East Film Festivals, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma presented mementoes and certificates of appreciation to directors, actors, producers, and delegates of regional language films at Prasads IMAX.
A New Cinematic Highway
The Telangana–Assam–North East MoU marks the beginning of a wide-ranging cultural and cinematic partnership — a blend of the North-East’s storytelling depth and Telangana’s production excellence. The collaboration is expected to unlock new opportunities for filmmakers, artists, and creative communities across both regions.