HC disposes petition seeking to forbear exhibition of film

Madras High Court today disposed of a petition seeking to forebear exhibition of popular Tamil comedian Vadivelu's comeback film 'Tenali Raman' for allegedly portraying emperor Krishnadevaraya in a poor manner and 'hurting' the sentiments of Telugu people.

Disposing of a petition by Dr C M K Reddy, founder trustee of 'All India Telugu Federation', the first bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Satish K Agnihotri and Justice M M Sundresh recorded the producer's affidavit that a disclaimer would be shown before start of the film, saying it does not contain anything against the Telugu language or its people.

Reddy alleged that the film, which completely denigrates and degrades Emperor Krishnadevaraya and his court jester Tenaliraman, was contrary to the provisions of Cinematograph Act 1952 and rules framed. He drew the court's attention to the relevant portions and sought its intervention .
 

But producer's counsel filed an affidavit, stating the film is purely a work of fiction and not based on King Krishnadevaraya. Nowhere in the film was his name used, it said, adding the movie is not based on the person Tenaliraman.

"The film only raises contemporary issues such as Foreign Direct Investment, Chinese and US domination of exports and imports and so on and is set in a historical context for humorous effect", it said.

The counsel assured the court that a disclaimer would be shown before start of the film stating that it is purely a a fictional work and does not affect the sentiments of any individual or community as a whole.

The bench then disposed the petition after recording the submissions and the affidavit submitted by producers.

The film is scheduled to release on April 18.