Stop Calling Nizam & Ceded, We Are Not Slaves: Director

Article by Kumar Published on: 9:16 am, 24 October 2026

Director Rahul Sankrityan has made an important request to Telugu trade and media, asking them to stop using the terms Nizam and Ceded while referring to regional film territories. Speaking at the Ranabaali event in Anantapur, the director said these names carry a historical baggage that should no longer be continued.

Rahul explained that these names remind people of their slavery and should be replaced with more respectful regional identities. Let’s call them Telangana and Rayalaseema, Rahul urged the media.

The practice of using Nizam and Ceded has been followed in Telugu cinema for decades, particularly while discussing theatrical business, distribution rights and box-office collections.

However, several voices have previously questioned the continued use of these terms and called for more appropriate regional names. Rahul’s statement has once again brought the discussion into focus.

While the terms remain deeply rooted in the industry’s trade language, the director believes it is time for a change. Now, the question is whether Telugu trade and media will take note of Rahul’s request and gradually move towards using Telangana and Rayalaseema instead.