Rights activists demand withdrawal of award to Razakar

Civil rights activist N. Venugopal opposing Gaddar Film Award for Razakar, in Hyderabad, on Thursday. | Photo Credit: G. RAMAKRISHNA

A gathering of civil rights groups under the banner of Association for Protection of Civil Rights on Thursday said giving an award to the film Razakar is a violation of the revolutionary spirit of Gaddar and an insult to Telangana’s culture and history.

“Gaddar refused Nandi Awards twice. Instituting an award on his name is wrong. But handing over an award named after him to a divisive, mischievous and historically toxic movie like Razakar is plain wrong,” said N. Venugopal, speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad.

“The movie sows seeds of discord among the people of Telangana who have lived together with Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb,” said Mr. Venugopal, author and journalist, as he narrated how the movie sank at the box office.

“The Congress party, which opposed Razakar before its release due to its divisive content, has now endorsed its recognition through the State-backed Gaddar Awards. This contradictory stance has deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims and secular-minded people across Telangana, who view the awards as an endorsement of communal propaganda,” said another speaker on the occasion.

“Revoke the Gaddar Award conferred on Razakar movie, and reassess the award selection process,” said a spokesperson for the Association for Protection of Civil Rights.

Published - June 20, 2025 12:02 am IST