Latest news with #GaddarAwards
The Print
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Revoke Gaddar award for Razakar movie produced by BJP leader—civil rights body to Telangana govt
In a press conference Wednesday, the APCR sought the reassessment of the award selection process to ensure 'alignment with principles of historical accuracy and social unity'. It also sought a public statement from Revanth clarifying his government's position on endorsing a film, which 'distorts history and promotes communal disharmony through a state-backed award named after Gaddar'. The movie, 'Razakar: Silent Genocide of Hyderabad', is on the paramilitary wing Razakar which was active during the Nizam's rule in the erstwhile Hyderabad state. Hyderabad: The Telangana chapter of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has urged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to revoke the Gaddar award conferred on a movie produced by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gudur Narayan Reddy. Born as Gummadi Vithal Rao in 1949, Gaddar was a former Naxalite-turned-social activist who became associated with the Telangana statehood movement. The balladeer passed away in 2023. APCR members took exception to his name being associated with a movie produced by a BJP leader, and one which purportedly paints the Muslims in a negative light. 'This action is critical to restore the integrity of the Gaddar Awards, honour the secular and revolutionary legacy of Gaddar, and address the hurt caused to Telangana's secular communities which want to protect its Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb (read, syncretic ethos),' the APCR said, seeking revocation of the award, Last week, the Congress government-instituted Telangana Gaddar Film Awards gave the movie an award under the 'Environment/Heritage/History' category. It was given three awards—feature film on environment/heritage/ history; best makeup artist, and best music director. This, the APCR members said, is a 'profound insult to the legacy of legendary communist leader and balladeer Gaddar who dedicated his life to secular values and the upliftment of marginalised communities.' They said that the movie blatantly contradicts the Gaddar Awards, which was instituted to celebrate cinematic excellence and cultural integrity. 'The film presents a selective and distorted portrayal of history, reducing the complex Telangana Armed Struggle (1946-51) to a communal Hindu-Muslim narrative,' the APCR stated. Originally slated ahead of the 2023 Telangana polls, the movie was released before the 2024 general elections. BJP's Narayan Reddy was accused of creating communal disharmony by portraying the entire Muslim community as anti-Hindu. The Congress party, the association said, opposed the movie before its release due to the divisive content and now endorsed it through the state-backed award. 'This contradictory stance has deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims and secular-minded people across Telangana, who view the awards as an endorsement of communal propaganda.' Meanwhile, a senior functionary of the Telangana Congress Pradesh Committee (TPCC) said that such episode would only distance the minorities from the party. 'Many already take swipe at CM Revanth Reddy by calling him an RSS agent due to his ABVP days. This will only add to it,' he told ThePrint. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: Congress in Telangana gave award to Razakar—a propaganda film that demonises Muslims
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Rights activists demand withdrawal of award to Razakar
A gathering of civil rights groups under the banner of Association for Protection of Civil Rights on Thursday said giving an award to the film Razakar is a violation of the revolutionary spirit of Gaddar and an insult to Telangana's culture and history. 'Gaddar refused Nandi Awards twice. Instituting an award on his name is wrong. But handing over an award named after him to a divisive, mischievous and historically toxic movie like Razakar is plain wrong,' said N. Venugopal, speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad. 'The movie sows seeds of discord among the people of Telangana who have lived together with Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb,' said Mr. Venugopal, author and journalist, as he narrated how the movie sank at the box office. 'The Congress party, which opposed Razakar before its release due to its divisive content, has now endorsed its recognition through the State-backed Gaddar Awards. This contradictory stance has deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims and secular-minded people across Telangana, who view the awards as an endorsement of communal propaganda,' said another speaker on the occasion. 'Revoke the Gaddar Award conferred on Razakar movie, and reassess the award selection process,' said a spokesperson for the Association for Protection of Civil Rights.
Hans India
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Gaddar Awards Brought New Enthusiasm to the Telugu Film Industry" – TFCC Chairman Dr. Pratani Ramakrishna Goud
Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) Chairman Dr. Pratani Ramakrishna Goud expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Telangana state government and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for organizing the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards in a grand and memorable manner. During a press meet held at his office, Dr. Goud lauded the event for injecting fresh enthusiasm into the Telugu film industry. 'The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards were conducted splendidly by the state government,' said Dr. Goud. 'Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy spent hours at the ceremony, showing their support for the film fraternity. I sincerely thank them for this. These awards have inspired filmmakers and artists, motivating them to strive for excellence. I urge that these awards be held every year without fail.' He also acknowledged the contributions of FDC Chairman Dil Raju, who played a key role in ensuring the success of the event. However, Dr. Goud did not hold back in pointing out areas that need improvement. 'It was disappointing that some of the award-winning actors did not attend the main ceremony. Their presence would have added more value to the occasion. There were also several logistical oversights. Notable industry figures did not receive passes on time senior filmmaker Tammareddy Bharadwaja received his only at 9 PM. Within the TFCC, only one or two members received passes, despite us having nearly a thousand producers.' He particularly criticized the handling of the event by FDC Commissioner Harish, stating, 'His lack of basic understanding of the film industry was evident. Better coordination and planning could have made the event even more impactful.' Dr. Goud also emphasized the need for better representation of Telangana members in the Gaddar Awards jury to ensure inclusivity and regional balance. Despite these shortcomings, Dr. Goud concluded on a positive note, appreciating the scale and spirit of the event. 'Even with a few minor flaws, I'm happy that the Gaddar Awards were conducted on such a grand scale. It has certainly set a new benchmark for how film award ceremonies should be celebrated in Telangana.'
New Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Awards for actors, rewards for CM
Call it a well-thought-out strategy or just a coincidence, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy seems to have hit multiple birds with one stone with the conduct of the inaugural Gaddar Awards. A rousing performance by a host of musicians, rendering the state song 'Jaya Jayahe Telangana' not only led to the Revanth government going one better than the previous BRS regime, but also helped it connect with all sections of the people with Telangana sentiment. Incidentally, it is the second official programme in recent times to feature the state song, the other being the Miss World Pageant. It is not just Telangana pride, the CM also appeared to have derived some mileage by personally presenting some of the awards to the winners in various categories during the gala night. The event came at a rather interesting time — not long after the demolition of Nagarjuna's N-Convention and Allu Arjun's arrest following the Sandhya Theatre stampede. And while all this played out under the spotlight, the BRS camp curiously chose silence, offering no comment on the awards or the selection process.
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Allu Arjun receives Gaddar Award for Pushpa 2 from CM Revanth after run-in over stampede case, fans love the ‘comeback'
The first Gaddar Awards by the Telangana government were held in Hyderabad on Saturday evening. Allu Arjun had a full circle moment, believe fans, when he received the Best Actor award for Pushpa 2: The Rule from Telangana CM Revanth Reddy at the event. Many called it Arjun's 'redemption', given that the CM was vocal in his criticism of Arjun after the Sandhya Theatre stampede. (Also Read: Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2024 full list of winners: Kalki 2898 AD wins best film, Allu Arjun wins best actor) Arjun looked proud as he received the award from Revanth Reddy, even saying the famous 'thaggede le' (will not back down) dialogue on stage before getting down. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), 'Humbled and grateful to receive the Gaddar Award for Best Actor for #Pushpa2.' He thanked the Telangana government, writing, 'My heartfelt thanks to the Government of Telangana, The Honourable CM Sri @revanth_anumula Garu, Deputy CM @Bhatti_Mallu Garu, Cinematography Minister @KomatireddyKVR Garu, #DilRaju garu & all the Jury members for this honour and for celebrating cinema through such a wonderful initiative.' Arjun also thanked his fans and congratulated the other winners, 'Big love to my fans… this one's for you my Army. Also my warmest congratulations to all the talented winners from across the industry at the #GaddarTelanganaFilmAwards.' Arjun's fans couldn't keep calm after seeing the actor receive an award for Pushpa 2 from Revanth. Numerous video clippings of the Telangana government criticising the actor in the stampede case and now giving him the award began surfacing on X. One fan wrote, 'The same Revanth Reddy who got #AlluArjun arrested in #Pushpa2 stampede case. Now the same Revanth Reddy is smiling and giving the Best Actor Award to Allu Arjun for Pushpa 2. Well done @alluarjun.' Another posted a video of the protests that took place at Arjun's home during the incident and the speech he gave on stage now, writing, 'REDEMPTION.. RAPPA RAPPA.' Another wrote, 'Comeback ante bhAAi laga undaliii. Case vesina Hand thoniii most prestigious award. (Bhai's comeback is such that he received a prestigious award from the person who filed a case on him).' Another also stitched clippings of the criticism Arjun got from Revanth with him receiving the Gaddar Award, writing, 'This Comeback Was f**king Personal. @alluarjun my Man you won Again Love youu!!' On 4 December 2024, a woman died and her young son was hospitalised in a critical condition after a stampede took place during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre at RTC X Roads in Hyderabad. Arjun and his family were at the theatre at the time of the incident. A case was filed against him, his security and the theatre management. The actor was arrested on 13 December and was granted interim bail by the High Court within a few hours. However, he spent the night in jail before he was let out. The actor has since apologised and taken care of the medical expenses for the injured boy. The Telangana government, including CM Revanth, and the police were critical of Arjun and alleged he visited the theatre without prior permission.
