Gaddar Award to Razakar movie sparks outrage; civil society urges CM to revoke honour

Hyderabad: As many as 72 members of the civil society of Telangana have written to chief minister A Revanth Reddy and minister of cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy to revoke the Gaddar Award given to the film Razakar.

They have also asked to initiate an enquiry into the role of the jury for violating the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards regulations 2024 by giving this award.

Direct violation of rules

In a letter to CM Revanth and minister Komatireddy, it has been pointed out that the award is a direct violation of provision 21 of the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards Regulation 2024.

In the letter, they stated that the regulation says that ‘the jury must not consider films that disrupt communal harmony and cultural integrity.’ The film has been made with a clear intent to polarise society and target the Muslim community under the guise of historical representation, said the letter.

‘Film promotes communal violence’

The film does not contribute to historical understanding or national integration; instead, it actively promotes communal enmity and violence, further deepening social divides.

Rather than promoting harmony or constructive dialogue, the content of the Razakar film is inflammatory, divisive and aimed at inciting hatred between communities, the activists said in the letter to the CM that they signed.

Why was the award constituted?

The Gaddar Film Awards were constituted to honour Telugu and Urdu films which reflect culture, education and social relevance while promoting national unity and integration.

Objection to selection of Razakar

Here are some of the main objections mentioned by the activists in their letter:

- Selection of Razakar violates provision 21 of the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards Regulations 2024

- The film disrupts communal harmony and cultural integrity

- Films which disrupt communal harmony, assault on women and are prejudicial to time-tested traditions and culture must not be considered by the jury

- Awarding the film gives state-backed legitimacy to a false and dangerous narrative

State legitimacy gives the content reference for future discourse, reinforces communal prejudices and spreads misinformation under the veil of historical truth.

‘Awarding the film is a conspiracy’

“Awarding the film is a larger conspiracy against Indian Muslims, falsely portraying them as a threat to the majority community. While Indian Muslims have no sympathy for the historical Razakars, the Congress-led government's endorsement of the highly communal and violent film as the best film on history is deeply condemnable,” said SQ Masood, social activist.

“It not only violates the spirit and regulations of the award but also undermines the secular fabric of our society,” he added.

Immediate action

Members of the civil society demand immediate action:

1. Immediate withdrawal of the award conferred to Razakar in the Best Film on History category.

2. An independent enquiry into how the jury approved this film in clear violation of the award regulations.

3. A public clarification from the Telangana State Film Development Corporation reaffirming its commitment to cultural integrity, secular values and the original intent of the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards.

The 72 members of Telangana civil society have strongly demanded that the Congress government act immediately and revoke the award.