Telangana anti-narcotics bureau flags portrayal of cannabis in upcoming film Ghaati

Telangana’s anti narcotics bureau, EAGLE (Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement) has raised objections over the trailer of the upcoming Telugu film Ghaati, directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and starring Anushka Shetty, alleging that it depicts cannabis cultivation and trafficking in a manner that risks glorifying narcotics.

The film, produced by Yeduguru Rajeev Reddy and Saibabu Jagarlamudi under First Frame Entertainments, has come under scrutiny for failing to include statutory warnings against drug abuse. In a statement issued on Thursday (September 4), the Bureau said the trailer appears to revolve around the cultivation, transportation and consumption of marijuana, without cautionary messages or disclaimers. Officials noted that such portrayals could influence students and young viewers at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to curb drug abuse.

Citing the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the Bureau reminded that cultivation, production, possession, sale, purchase, transportation and consumption of narcotics are strictly prohibited, along with any abetment or conspiracy to commit such offences under Section 29 of the Act.

“Motion pictures, owing to their immersive nature and appeal, carry a profound impact on public perception. Films must therefore be treated with greater responsibility than other forms of artistic expression,” the statement read.

The Bureau has urged the filmmakers to ensure that the movie does not promote or endorse narcotics-related activities. It also called for scrolling statutory warnings during relevant scenes, such as “Ganja is banned in India and is extremely harmful to health.” The agency warned that failure to comply could attract legal action under the NDPS Act.