Valmiki becomes Gaddalakonda Ganesh: film fraternity shocked

Hyderabad: Varun Tej starrer ‘Valmiki’ had its last-minute tensions and makers had no options left but to change the movie’s title overnight. On the eve of its release, Telangana High Court sent a notice to its makers ordering them to change the title. This was regards to the issue raised by the Boya community, who expressed that their sentiments are being hurt by naming the movie Valmiki.

Forced into a corner, the makers rechristened it as ‘Gaddalakonda Ganesh’, which is the name of Varun Tej’s role in the movie. This situation has disappointed not only the makers but also the film fraternity and media. Director Harish Shankar appeared deeply upset but did not give up on the result of the movie. He also appealed to the Boya community, stating that the film does not degrade or unusually portray anything regarding their community.

#Valmiki is now #GaddalakondaGanesh

Unfortunate that this was allowed to happen to a movie but the theatres will fill up and people will enjoy the film. My support and best wishes to @IAmVarunTej, @harish2you Anna, @Atharvaamurali, @hegdepooja and the team.

— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) September 20, 2019

Many from the media raised their voices against such threats faced by artists and moviemakers. Maharshi fame director Vamshi Paidipally also expressed his anguish over the situation. “This is very painful... No Film or Director deserve this... @harish2you we are all with You...I know your commitment towards a film ra Harish...#GaddalakondaGanesh will be a winner for sure... (sic),” Vamshi wrote on his Twitter timeline quoting Harish Shankar’s tweet. Harish thanked Vamshi for his support.

This is very painful... No Film or Director deserve this... @harish2you we are all with You...I know your commitment towards a film ra Harish...#GaddalakondaGanesh will be a winner for sure... 🤗 https://t.co/cKWtuit8mn

— Vamshi Paidipally (@directorvamshi) September 20, 2019

Actor Navdeep also wonders how such controversies are even acceptable. “It’s mind-blowing how a collectorate has the time and energy to oppose a film’s title and try to stop the release just one day before the release date! A film which has been cleared by the censor board of India who's sole job is clearing films for release! #whattewonder (sic),” he wrote.

Shootings & Titles can be restricted but not the affection of audience#GaddalakondaGanesh takes off MASSive start

Spellbounding make over of @IAmVarunTej makes awestruck every1 everyframe, thanks to powerful dir @harish2you potraying style of a hero@hegdepooja is adorable ♥️ pic.twitter.com/thkJIjdETd

— SKN -GaddhalaKonda Ganesh (@SKNonline) September 20, 2019

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Young, sensational hero Vijay Deverakonda also took to Twitter to oppose the situation. “#Valmiki is now #GaddalakondaGanesh. Unfortunate that this was allowed to happen to a movie but the theatres will fill up and people will enjoy the film. My support and best wishes to @IAmVarunTej, @harish2you Anna, @Atharvaamurali, @hegdepooja and the team (sic),” he wrote.

Despite the controversy, Gaddalakonda Ganesh has gained good reviews from centres. One of the media representatives took to Twitter and wrote, “Shootings & Titles can be restricted but not the affection of the audience. #GaddalakondaGanesh takes off MASSive start. Spellbounding makeover of @IAmVarunTej makes awestruck every1 every frame, thanks to powerful dir @harish2you portraying style of a hero. @hegdepooja is adorable (sic).”