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Ravi Teja-starrer Irumudi has landed in controversy after the Andhra Pradesh Teachers’ Federation (APTF) objected to the film’s portrayal of a government school. Directed by Shiva Nirvana, the revenge action thriller revolves around a major scandal at a government girls’ school in a village. Swasika Vijay plays a sinister character linked to the institution, while the male lead’s daughter is also connected to the school.

Damaging portrayal alleged

Three days after the film’s theatrical release, the federation raised objections to what it described as the alleged misrepresentation of a government school in the film. APTF State President Chennupati Manjula and General Secretary Basavalinga Rao reportedly stated that the portrayal could damage the reputation of government schools and those working within the education system.

The federation specifically objected to references to the Zilla Parishad High School in Sileru, Alluri Sitharama Raju district. According to the association, the depiction is demeaning and could distort public perception of government-run educational institutions.

The teachers’ body has called on the filmmakers to voluntarily withdraw the contentious portions. It also argued that such portrayals could undermine public trust in government education.

Under India’s film-certification framework, which is administered by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), filmmakers generally have creative latitude when fictionalising institutions and characters, particularly when fictional or generic names are used. However, real-world references can still invite objections from organisations or individuals who believe they have been portrayed unfairly.

Pushback against the portrayal of professions and institutions in films is not new. In 2019, the Tamil Nadu Teachers Association objected to Jyotika-starrer Raatchasi, which explored the functioning of a government school. Similarly, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued legal notices and staged protests against the 2015 Bollywood film Gabbar Is Back over its depiction of the medical profession.

Irumudi remains a box-office sensation

The controversy comes even as Irumudi continues its strong run at the Telugu box office. The revenge action thriller is being touted as one of Ravi Teja’s biggest commercial successes. The film stars the actor as an alcoholic father for whom his daughter is the centre of his world, with Sai Kumar and others in important roles.

Two songs featuring festivities associated with Lord Ayyappa Swamy have emerged as chartbusters, adding to the film’s popularity. GV Prakash Kumar has composed the music for the Shiva Nirvana directorial.

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