VIJAYAWADA: Row over film Vangaveeti took another turn on Wednesday. YSR Congress Party leader Vangaveeti Radhakrishna appeared before Vijayawada Metropolitan Sessions Court and filed a criminal defamation case against film director Ram Gopal Varma (RGV), producer Dasari Kiran and co-producer Sudhir Chandra for making the biopic of slain MLA Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga.
Vangaveeti, based on Vijayawada gang warfare in early 80s between two groups, released on December 22, 2016, amidst huge tensions in the city. Talks between RGV and Vangaveeti followers before the release of the film were not fruitful.
And the fears of Ranga family have come true after the release.
Fans were disappointed to see that Ranga was portrayed as a villain or anti-social element in the film.
Speaking after filing a criminal defamation case against the film crew, Radha alleged that RGV had made the movie without knowing the actual facts and portrayed his family in a negative manner.
He made it clear that he will fight until getting justice as the director disrespected mass leader Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga and his brother Radhakrishna by portraying them in poor light.
Radha also pointed out that some dialogues in the movie were insulting his family members directly and requested magistrate to take criminal action.
“My father and my uncle lost their lives while striving for the poor. RGV defamed by naming my surname ‘Vangaveeti’ to the film which is an insult to my family and me. Some dialogues and some songs in the film were derogatory and the script was far from truth,” he said and added that RGV had mad the film with his own hyperboles.
“I have submitted the paper cuttings and video clippings to the Court as proof to ascertain that followers of Ranga were deeply hurt. At the time of movie release, I have approached police and registered a complaint against the film crew demanding that the movie should be stopped from screening,” Radha said.
“I also raised my objections on the film and demanded an explanation from both the director and producer on what grounds they helmed the movie. However, the case was adjourned for Thursday,” Radha said.