It has been almost two years since the coalition government came to power in Andhra Pradesh. However, the appointment of the Chairman for the Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation (APFDC) has not been made so far. The key point here is that Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan had proposed the name of A.M. Rathnam, the producer of his film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which was released last year, for the FDC Chairman post. Pawan Kalyan himself openly stated this once. He made this announcement in July 2025. But surprisingly, the Andhra Pradesh government has still not filled the FDC Chairman post. Even though Pawan Kalyan openly said that he had requested Chief Minister Chandrababu to give this post to his producer A.M. Rathnam, it does not appear that Chandrababu has paid attention to this issue so far.
However, when Pawan Kalyan proposed the name of A.M. Rathnam, there were widespread criticisms from the film industry. Some people even raised this issue openly. It is being said that TDP Politburo member and Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna also suggested another name for the FDC Chairman post, which is why the post has not been filled until now. For quite some time, there has been talk within TDP circles that Balakrishna has been deeply dissatisfied with the approach of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. A few months ago, in the Hindupur constituency, his fans held a protest in front of him holding placards demanding that Nandamuri Balakrishna be given a ministerial post. Some TDP leaders believe that such an event would not have happened without Balakrishna’s approval.
At a time when Balakrishna is reportedly unhappy regarding his position in the party as well as other posts, discussions are going on that Chandrababu Naidu has been caught in a dilemma over whom to appoint for the FDC Chairman post. In Andhra Pradesh, the cinematography department is with Jana Sena. It is known that Minister Kandula Durgesh is handling these responsibilities. As of now, it is unclear when Chandrababu will take a decision regarding the FDC post. However, in Jana Sena, there is anger that even for a chairman post that falls under their department, and which their leader openly requested, such a delay is not appropriate. It remains to be seen which side Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will lean towards in the appointment of the new FDC Chairman.