EAGLE eyes on 'Ghaati' for 'glorifying' drugs
HYDERABAD: Despite Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy urging the Tollywood to unite in the fight against drug abuse, Telugu movie Ghaati, which is set for a release on Friday, has come under the scanner of the state anti-narcotics wing for allegedly containing scenes that glorify the use, sale or distribution of narcotics. Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and starring Anushka Shetty, Ghaati is produced by Yeduguru Rajeev Reddy and Saibabu Jagarlamudi under First Frame Entertainments.
The Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) issued a statement on Thursday, stating that on reviewing the trailer, it appeared the film was heavily centred around the cultivation, transportation and consumption of cannabis (ganja), with visuals that may be interpreted as glamorising narcotic-related activities. It has urged the filmmakers to refrain from portraying scenes that glorify drug abuse and smuggling.
In July, Revanth had said, “The film industry also has the responsibility of safeguarding society.” Notably, the trailer does not carry statutory warnings or scrolling messages cautioning against drug abuse, which EAGLE said was a serious concern given the potential influence on impressionable audiences, particularly students and youth.
“The portrayal of a protagonist engaged in the narcotics trade, without appropriate disclaimers or contextual warnings, risks normalising and glamorising such illegal acts. This could inadvertently encourage similar behaviour among viewers,” said EAGLE Director Sandeep Shandilya.
‘Add warning, or face action’
The agency reminded the filmmakers that, due to their immersive appeal, motion pictures carry a greater responsibility in shaping public perception. It asked them to include scrolling statutory warnings such as ‘Ganja is banned in India and is extremely harmful to health’ in any scene involving drugs, and to ensure the film does not propagate or endorse activities violating the NDPS Act.
“Failure to comply may invite legal action under the NDPS Act, 1985. We hope the filmmakers act responsibly and take corrective measures to prevent any negative societal impact,” Shandilya warned.
It may be recalled that several Telugu actors, including Prabhas, Jr NTR, Allu Arjun and Allari Naresh, have supported the Anti-Drugs campaign, urging youth to stay away from narcotics.
When TNIE contacted director Krish Jagarlamudi, he was unavailable for comment.
TG becoming hub of ganja: CM
Earlier the chief minister had said: “From Komaram Bheem to Chakali Ilamma, Doddi Komuraiah and Sarvai Papanna, many have inspired the people through various movements. Universities and colleges once served as platforms for the statehood struggle. Now, the state is facing a different challenge. We must ask ourselves if Telangana becoming a hub of ganja is a matter of self-respect or shame”