Telugu Director’s Hindi Film Lands In Controversy

Bollywood senior hero Sunny Deol’s latest film, Jaat, directed by Telugu filmmaker Gopichand Malineni, was released on April 10 and is having a good run in theatres. However, the film has now landed in controversy for its portrayal of the Tamil militant organisation, The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

#BoycottJaatMovie has been trending on social media, where many people are demanding to boycott the film, saying that it showcased the LTTE, which fought for Tamilians’ rights in Sri Lanka, as a terrorist organisation.

As a Tamilian, I strongly oppose the misrepresentation of the LTTE as terrorists in the movie Jaat. The LTTE was born out of systemic oppression and genocide against Tamils in Sri Lanka. Stop rewriting our history to suit your narrative,” wrote a user on X. Another user commented, “LTTE was not a terrorist group. It was a resistance force born out of oppression, fighting for Tamil rights & justice. ‘Jaat’ shamelessly demonizes a freedom struggle. Tamils won’t stay silent when history is twisted. #BoycottJaatMovie #LTTEFreedomFighters.”

Meanwhile, the makers are yet to respond to this controversy. Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda portrayed the role of Ranatunga, a Sri Lankan villain, in the movie.

Jaat was bankrolled by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory. Thaman composed the music for it.