In Andhra Pradesh, the political atmosphere is intensifying as the state prepares for upcoming elections.Scheduled for May 13th, the elections will occur in a single phase, encompassing both MLA and MP segments.
With the election schedule announced, the Election Model Code of Conduct has been implemented, setting the stage for the electoral process.
Amidst this backdrop, the film ‘Ustad Bhagat Singh’ has released a teaser that has stirred up controversy.
The teaser, which portrays actor Pawan Kalyan in the role of a commanding police officer, has been well-received by audiences.However, it has also raised concerns with the Election Commission (EC).
The EC mandates that during the Code of Conduct period, any material that could be construed as campaign content must receive prior approval.
The issue was brought to light during a press conference when Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Election Officer, Mukesh Kumar Meena, was questioned about the teaser.
He admitted to not having viewed it yet, which precluded him from making a definitive judgment.Nonetheless, he stressed the importance of obtaining the necessary permissions for any campaign-related content during this period.
He indicated that the teaser would be scrutinized to determine if it contains political messaging.
A particular dialogue in the teaser, which metaphorically speaks of a glass becoming sharper as it breaks, has caught the public’s attention.
This line is seen as a nod to the election symbol of the Janasena Party, the Glass Tumbler, and has been widely circulated by the party’s supporters on social media.Pawan Kalyan disclosed that he was urged by the film’s director, Harish Shankar, to deliver this line, despite his personal reluctance towards such politically charged dialogues.
The Chief Election Officer reiterated the necessity for clearance if the content is deemed political, hinting at potential hurdles that Janasena might face in getting the teaser approved.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between creative expression and political regulations during the election period.The film’s team, along with Janasena, may need to navigate the complexities of the EC’s guidelines to avoid any inadvertent breach of the Code of Conduct.The outcome of the EC’s review of the teaser will be pivotal in determining whether the film can proceed without hindrance or if it will face obstacles due to its perceived political undertones.
