HYDERABAD: It is being dubbed the mother of all shows ever staged by Telugu cinema. After all it is to be a fitting tribute to one of the major motion picture centres of India, Telugu cinema, which turned 75 this year.

But, the three-day extravaganza to be held at HI-TEC convention centre on January 26, 27 and 28 is out of bounds for the common cine goer who with their hard earned monies and immense passion fuelled its growth for a seven full decades.

The organisers have priced entry passes for the event at, hold your breath, a staggering Rs. 10,000 per head! Of course, there is a second category which is priced at "a decent" Rs. 5,000 per head!

"It is clear they do not want the common man there and the intention seems to milk the occasion to hilt to make a huge pile. It appears to be a event for a few influential people of the film industry," fumed a filmmaker, not wishing to be quoted.

Programmes

The three-day event has mass entertainment programmes and performances by literally all the big stars of Telugu cinema and also their favourite pastime - cricket and other sports and games.

Three top stars are said to be presenting a show on stunts in Telugu films, including a "laser karate show" - whatever it is! There will also be dances and dramas by international artistes including old films screenings, and interactive seminars and felicitations to veteran film personalities.

There are already rumours about differences cropping up based on caste lines with members of a group heading a powerful association of the industry dominating the organising scenario.

Senior personalities of a particular group are said to be miffed at being kept out of the celebrations.

Presence of only matinee idol Chiranjeevi from among the top four Telugu heroes - Balakrishna, Nagarjuna and Venkatesh - at the release of the celebrations logo gives credence to the argument, felt a senior film critic.

Meanwhile, regular film buffs have to be content watching the big show on the telly. Some television channel would have bought exclusive rights of the show for a bomb for sure!

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