Andhra teachers’ body demands removal of ‘objectionable’ scenes in Telugu film Irumudi

The Andhra Pradesh Teachers’ Federation (APTF) has demanded the removal of scenes from Telugu film Irumudi that allegedly portray government school teachers and students in a derogatory and negative manner.

In a statement, the federation’s State president Chennupati Manjula and general secretary K. Basavalinga Rao said cinema is a powerful medium that influences society and that the way a character or institution is portrayed on screen often leaves a lasting impression on the public.

“Therefore, filmmakers should exercise social responsibility while depicting government schools, government teachers and students of government schools,” they said.

The APTF leaders said the film portrays the character of a government school teacher in an extremely negative manner and that the portrayal cannot simply be dismissed as a fictional character, as the film also shows a government school in Andhra Pradesh. They also alleged that the uniforms worn by the students shown in the school are similar to those currently worn by students in government schools in the State.

They also pointed out that the film refers to a Zilla Parishad Girls’ High School at Sileru in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district and uses the setting of government schools and their students and teachers as part of its narrative.

“The film’s portrayal could undermine the dignity of government school teachers and create a negative impression among the public about the government school system,” they said, urging the filmmakers to remove the objectionable scenes and ensure that government teachers and students are not portrayed in a manner that damages their dignity.

The federation appealed to the AP Film Development Corporation and the authorities concerned to examine the matter and take appropriate action. It also urged the government to ensure that the dignity and reputation of government schools, teachers and students are protected.