Latest news with #Razakar
Hans India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Withdrawal of award to ‘Razakar' urged
Hyderabad: A group of social activists, academicians, legal practitioners have joined hands to condemn the decision of the State government to award the controversial film 'Razakar'. Over 70 individuals representing different sections from across the country have demanded the Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for immediate withdrawal of the award conferred to 'Razakar' in the 'Best Film on History' category and urged to initiate an independent inquiry alleging violation of the award regulations. In the letter addressed to the CM, Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Managing Director of Telangana State Film Development Corporation Arvind Kumar, they questioned the decision to award the film 'Razakar (Silent Genocide of Hyderabad)' describing it as a highly polarising and propaganda-driven film as the Best Film on History, under the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards. 'This film, produced and promoted by BJP leaders, attempts to distort history by portraying Hyderabadi Muslims as responsible for a so-called 'Silent Genocide of Hyderabad' under the guise of Razakars. Its clear intent is to polarise society and target Muslim community under the guise of historical representation,' they pointed out. Those undersigned include S Q Masood, Rama Melkote, Veena Shatrugna, Dr Prakash Louis, Anand Singh, Dr Ram Puniyani, Susie Tharu, Advocate L Ravichander, Shantha Sinha, Dr Jasveen Jairath, Bizeth Banerjee, Meera Sanghamitra amongst others.
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.
The Print
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Congress in Telangana gave award to Razkar—a propaganda film that demonises Muslims
What did shock me and many others, however, was the Congress-run Telangana government giving Razakar an award at the inaugural Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, under the 'Environment/Heritage/History' category. So when Razakar bagged the Best Cinematography and Best Debut Director awards at the 15th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2025—again, not surprising. It hardly surprised anyone that the movie Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad was produced by Telangana BJP leader Gudur Narayan Reddy. After all, the propaganda film was intended to push the narrative that Muslims in the erstwhile state of Hyderabad attacked Hindus before its annexation into the Indian Union on 17 September 1948. Balladeer Gaddar, a former Naxalite turned activist who fought for Telangana statehood, is a name long associated with the Left in the state. He was linked with everyone who was ideologically opposed to Hindutva and right-wing politics. So the Congress has left many puzzled by awarding a film produced by a BJP leader. What's even more striking is that AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi—who called Chief Minister Revanth Reddy an 'RSS Anna'—has remained silent on the matter. So why is this movie winning an award a problem? For starters, its portrayal of Muslims is a terrible caricature of the community in the state, and it distorts the facts of what happened in the days leading up to Hyderabad's annexation. I tried to watch the movie—but I had to walk out halfway because I simply couldn't take any more. The false portrayals of everything were just too disturbing. Also read: Revanth Reddy is battling a series of PR disasters in Telangana. Gachibowli to HYDRAA What happened in 1948 One of the most ignored aspects of Hyderabad's history growing up was information about the annexation of the erstwhile Hyderabad state. Formed in 1724 as a Mughal vassal state by the Asaf Jahi Nizams, the last Nizam of Hyderabad was Mir Osman Ali Khan, who ruled from 1911 to 1948. The state was one of the largest in India—around 82,698 square miles—including present-day Telangana, five districts of Maharashtra, and three of Karnataka (including Bidar and Gulbarga). It was relatively peaceful, thanks to a treaty with the British East India Company in 1798 and later with the British Crown, under which the Nizams enjoyed semi-autonomous rule. But as independence approached, things changed. Osman Ali Khan—like a few other princely rulers—wanted to stay independent. That became a problem in 1947. But what is often missed is that, even before that, by 1946, peasants in Telangana had started mobilising under the banner of the Communist Party of India (CPI) against extreme feudal oppression. Also read: Kharge on same page as BJP on Telangana's 'Liberation Day' row? 'Hyderabad got azaadi on 17 Sept 1948' The Telangana Rebellion 'Vetti Chakiri'—or bonded labour—was the norm. Thousands of peasants and lower-caste people were forced to slave for Jagirdars (land revenue collectors) who controlled around 60 per cent of the state. Many of these landlords were from dominant Hindu castes. Muslims made up about 10 per cent of the state's population. The Telangana Armed Struggle, a peasant uprising, began in 1946, a year before independence, and lasted until 21 October 1951, when the CPI officially called it off. Hyderabad was annexed on 17 September 1948, when the Indian government under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru sent in the Army after negotiations failed. The military action was also partly driven by fears that the CPI might take control of Telangana (a fact documented in historical records). One major trigger was the rise of the Razakars in 1947—a paramilitary group led by Qasim Razvi, then head of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM). A fanatic, Razvi used the group to terrorise opponents of the Nizam's rule and to attack Hindus. Also read: Modi govt's Hyderabad 'Liberation' Day reopens old wounds. KCR's 'Integration' wiser approach Razakar's propaganda What the Razakars did was horrendous, and many families in Telangana still remember being attacked. That is a fact. But it is also a fact that many Muslims, both inside and outside the government, opposed the Razakars and supported a peaceful transition. Some, like the noted Urdu poet and revolutionary CPI leader Makhdoom Mohiuddin, actively fought the feudal system as part of the Communist-led resistance. The movie Razakar, however, entirely omits this part—especially the CPI-led Telangana armed struggle. Its entire focus is on the Razakar group, which it exploits to paint Muslims in a negative light. This one-sided narrative is partly the result of earlier governments suppressing historical truths, creating a vacuum that others now fill with propaganda. And that's the point. Since Telangana's formation, the BJP has been demanding official recognition of 'Hyderabad Liberation Day'—a phrase meant to imply the state was 'liberated' from Muslim rule. But Osman Ali Khan, after 1948, continued to serve as Rajpramukh (Governor) for a few years, and lived peacefully until his death in 1967. The film essentially claims that Hindus were oppressed and killed by Muslims during the annexation. But it entirely leaves out the brutal, caste-based feudal slavery that Dalits and other oppressed classes suffered at the hands of dominant-caste Jagirdars. Even some Congress leaders in the state were caught off guard by the award. 'They've been blaming our party—blaming Nehru—for the delay in Hyderabad's annexation. So by giving this movie an award, what message are we sending out?' a senior Muslim Congress leader told me. No one else seems to have an answer either. But the BJP seems to be quietly smiling in a corner. Unfortunately, instead of confronting history with facts and nuance, we now have a film that distorts the truth and sows seeds of communalism in Telangana. Yunus Lasania is a Hyderabad-based journalist whose work primarily focuses on politics, history and culture. He tweets @YunusLasania. Views are personal. (Edited by Prashant)
Hans India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
SIO condemns Gaddar Film Award for ‘propaganda' movie
StudentsIslamic Organisation (SIO) Telangana strongly condemned the decision of the Telangana Government to award 'Razakar' a 'propaganda' film – presented as 'true historical events' – with the Gaddar Award for Best Historical Film. According to SIO, under the guise of cinema, this project, produced and promoted by BJP leaders, not merely distorts but creates ahistorical 'facts' to vilify the Muslim community of Hyderabad. 'It is a direct attack on the - past and present - communal harmony and coexistence represented by Hyderabad. It presents an ahistorical and inflammatory portrayal, vilifying an entire community while overlooking historically documented large-scale episodes of violence,' said Mohammed Faraz Ahmed, State President SIO Telangana. He further said, 'This decision by the Congress-led government under the CM not only endorses but legitimises these dangerous propaganda narratives of fascist forces, thereby showcasing an open betrayal to the existence of heterogeneity in the state. Moreover, the use of 'Gaddar' in favour of a movie crafted to inflame communal sentiments with deeply anti-Muslim narrative is an insult to the memory of the revolutionary Gaddar, who stood for justice, equality and resistance to oppression.' SIO Telangana urges the state government and key stakeholders to immediately revoke this recognition and disassociate from such divisive narratives. We call upon all justice-driven organisations and individuals to act against this growing normalisation of hate. 'We also appeal to the citizens, especially the youth, to turn to verified, scholarly established historical narratives rather than accepting fabrications shaped through propaganda peddled by the Sangh,' he added.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2025: Allu Arjun, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Nag Ashwin and more honoured
The winners of the inaugural edition of the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards were presented with the trophies at a star-studded ceremony at Hitex in Hyderabad on Saturday (June 14). Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy felicitated the event, which was also attended by the state's deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, cinematography minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and Film Development Corporation chairman Dil Raju. Gaddar Foundation chairman and Gaddar's son Suryakiran and TGFDC MD S Harish were also present at the event. The chief guests presented the winners with a cash prize of ₹5 lakhs and a citation. The evening saw Reddy and Vikramarka present the Paidi Jairaj Film Award (Indian Film Personality) to veteran director Mani Ratnam. Meanwhile, superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna received the NTR National Film Award, while director Sukumar received the BN Reddy Film Award. The Kantha Rao Film Award was presented to actor Vijay Devarakonda, and film writer Yandamuri Veerendranath was awarded the Raghupathi Venkaiah Film Award. Veteran actor and jury chairman M Muralimohan and members of the jury, including jury head, veteran actor Jayasudha, were felicitated as well. The designer of the TGFA, Ramavath Nagula Naik, and film critic Ponnam Ravichandra were also honoured. As a major highlight of the evening, Pushpa star Allu Arjun received the Best Leading Actor award from Chief Minister Reddy, to thunderous applause from the audience. Meanwhile, Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, won the Best Feature Film award. The second and third best feature film awards were bagged by Pottel, directed by Sahit Mothkuri, and Lucky Baskhar, directed by Venky Atluri. Ashwin also took home the Best Director award for Kalki 2898 AD, while Nivetha Thomas was awarded Best Leading Actress for her role in 35 Chinna Katha Kadu. Notably, the Telangana government revived the Telugu film awards this year in honour of revolutionary balladeer Gaddar. The Gaddar Telangana Film Awards marked the first time a ceremony was held in the state to felicitate the film industry since its formation in 2014. Here's the complete list of winners: Best Director: Nag Ashwin for Kalki 2898 AD Best Leading Actor: Allu Arjun for Pushpa 2: The Rule Best Leading Actress: Nivetha Thomas for 35 Chinna Katha Kadhu First Best Feature Film: Kalki 2898 AD Second Best Feature Film: Pottel Third Best Feature Film: Lucky Baskhar Best Supporting Actor: SJ Suryah for Saripodhaa Sanivaaram Best Supporting Actress: Saranya Pradeep for Ambajipeta Marriage Band Best Music Director: Bheems Ceciroleo for Razakar Best Male Playback Singer: Sid Sriram for Ooru Peru Bhairavakona Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal for Pushpa 2: The Rule Feature Film on National Integration, Communal Harmony & Social Uplift: Committee Kurrollu Best Children's Film:35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Feature Film on Environment, Heritage, History: Razakar Best Debut Film Director: Yadu Vamsi for Committee Kurrollu Best Wholesome Entertainment Film: Aay Best Comedian: Satya and Vennela Kishore for Mathu Vadalara 2 Best Child Artist: Arun Dev for 35 Chinna Katha Kadu and Haarika for Mercy Killing Best Story Writer: Siva Paladugu for Music Shop Murthy Best Screenplay Writer: Venky Atluri for Lucky Baskhar Best Lyricist: Chandra Bose for Raju Yadav Best Cinematographer: Vishwanath Reddy for Gaami Best Editor: Navin Nooli for Lucky Baskhar Best Audiographer: Aravind Menon for Gaami Best Choreographer: Ganesh Acharya for Devara Best Art Director: Nitin Zihani Choudhary for Kalki 2898 AD Best Action Choreographer: Chandra Shekar Rathod for Gangster Best Makeup Artist: Nalla Seenu for Razakar Best Costume Designer: Archana Rao and Ajay Kumar for Kalki 2898 AD Special Jury Award 1: Dulquer Salmaan for Lucky Baskhar Special Jury Award 2: Ananya Nagalla for Pottel Special Jury Award 3: Sujith and Sandeep for KA Special Jury Award 4: Prashanth Reddy and Rajesh Kallepalli for Raju Yadav Jury Special Mention: Faria Abdullah for Mathu Vadalara 2
