The kin of freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy have filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Hyderabad High Court to direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to not issue censor certificate for Chiranjeevi’s upcoming movie Sye Raa, a biopic on Narasimha Reddy. Doravari Dastagiri Reddy and others who claim to be the legal fourth generation heirs of the freedom fighter, have demanded to watch a preview of the film before its release.
The movie is all set for its worldwide release on October 2.
The petitioners, all residents of Uyyalawada in Kurnool, have alleged in their affidavit that the producer of Sye Raa, actor Ram Charan (son of Chiranjeevi), had met each of the 22 heirs at his residence in August last year. Following the meeting, he promised 10% remuneration for the kin of the total cost of making the film as royalty, for using their family history, house and other articles in the film. The amount was promised to be paid before the release of Sye Raa’s trailer.
The petitioners allege that Rs 25,000 was initially paid towards their travel expenses after which the producer and others from the film unit stopped attending their calls. When the petitioners tried meeting Ram Charan at his residence, they were whisked away and were detained twice by the Jubilee Hills Police. They also alleged that the police threatened them with dire consequences if they returned to Hyderabad.
Citing rules of Cinematography Act, 1952, the petitioners said that it was illegal to make a biopic without the consent of legal heirs. The petitioners have named the state principal secretary, home, the chairperson to CBFC, Ram Charan, director P. Surender Reddy, Chiranjeevi, Amitabh Bachchan and others as respondents.
Sye Raa is being bankrolled by Ram Charan Teja under his home banner Konidela Production Company on a budget of Rs 200 crore. The movie will release in four languages and also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Vijay Sethupathi, Kicha Sudeep, Nayanthara and Tamannah in pivotal roles