The High Court in Telangana has stopped the release of Ram Gopal Varma’s movie “Vyooham,” reportedly based on political situations in Andhra Pradesh. The court, headed by Justice Surepalli Nanda, extended the suspension for three more weeks. The judge directed the Censor Board’s Revising Committee to review the film again, removing objectionable scenes. A decision on issuing a new censor certificate is expected within three weeks.
The court had earlier reserved orders on a petition by producer Dasari Kiran Kumar, who sought to lift the interim order suspending the movie’s release. The producer’s counsel suggested allowing the release in Telangana if there were concerns about influencing Andhra Pradesh elections. However, objections were raised by Nara Lokesh, TDP General Secretary. The film, allegedly defamatory to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, was initially set to release on December 29.
Nara Lokesh, Chandrababu Naidu’s son, challenged the censor certificate on December 28, leading to the court’s suspension of the release. The court found irregularities in the Revising Committee’s decision to grant a Certificate of Exhibition. It directed a review of all records related to the movie.
The film revolves around the passing of YS Rajasekhara Reddy and the political entry of his son, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the current Chief Minister. Lokesh alleged defamation against his father and argued that the entire film portrayed Chandrababu Naidu negatively. Despite the producer’s appeal on January 2, the court upheld the suspension, citing potential influence on elections and defamatory content.
