The enduring magic of cinema in India

Despite my belonging to the ‘biradari’ of the film community, I once had the unpleasant experience of being on the wrong side, when I organised a series of surprise raids on theatres as Deputy Commissioner Commercial Taxes in Kurnool in 1975.

No shows were on for over six weeks in both Kurnool and Anantapur districts, until a senior official arrived from Hyderabad, and brokered peace between me and the exhibitors/distributors. It was during those days that, on the New Year’s Eve, one had to go to Bellary, in the neighbouring state, in order to watch a movie!

Source: The enduring magic of cinema in India