'The Blast Has Created A Scare'

To what extent will the bomb blast affect the Telugu film industry?

It has created a scare. Although, it appears to be a spillover from the factional feuds of Rayalaseema, the fact is it happened. People in the industry are still in a state of shock.

Has it shaken filmmakers?

Yes, of course. Many who had earlier plans to shoot films here have decided to shift. An important film schedule in Ch. Ramoji Rao's film studio had to be suddenly shifted because an artiste refused to act. That's the extent of the scare.

Can it be compared to the Gulshan Kumar killing in Bollywood?

In both incidents, the mafia (gangsters) are allegedly involved. That's what the police claim. If the underworld was engaged in killing Gulshan Kumar, then factionists made an abortive attempt on Paritala Ravi, the film producer. The leading man in that film, Mohan Babu, too, had a miraculous escape. Factional feuds are now threatening society.

You have expressed fears that the film industry is slipping into the hands of antisocials.

Well, I did write a strongly-worded edit in my film magazine,

Megha Sandesham, where I expressed fears about the mafia taking over the industry. I have also cited examples when producers have been threatened at the Hyderabad lab itself and the brutal killing of a Bangalore producer.

Is it possible to prevent "criminals" from entering the industry?

No. It's not possible to prevent anyone from entering any industry.