The Andhra Pradesh Teachers’ Federation (APTF) has demanded that the makers of Ravi Teja-starrer Irumudi remove scenes that it alleges portray government schools and teachers in a derogatory manner.
In a statement, APTF State President Chennupati Manjula and General Secretary Basavalingarao objected to a sequence involving a female teacher, saying it could affect the public image of government teachers and educational institutions.
The federation has also raised concerns over the use of real-world identifiers in the scene. According to APTF, the name board of Sileru Zilla Parishad High School in Alluri Sitharama Raju district is visible, while the students are shown wearing uniforms used in Andhra Pradesh government schools.
APTF argued that linking a recognisable government school and its teachers to unethical conduct could create a negative perception among viewers. It also stressed that films can influence public opinion and called for greater sensitivity when depicting teachers and educational institutions.
The federation has demanded that the objectionable scenes be removed and that the filmmakers apologise to the teaching community. It has also warned of statewide protests if the makers do not respond to its demands.
The controversy comes as Irumudi continues its successful theatrical run, with the film reportedly crossing the Rs 100-crore mark at the box office. The big question now is how the Irumudi team will respond to the allegations.