Hyderabad, Feb 18: The Telangana State Anti-Narcotic Bureau (TSNAB) has instructed the creators of the upcoming Telugu movie ‘Ganja Shankar’ to alter its title by removing ‘Ganja’ (cannabis) from it.
Following concerns raised regarding the film’s title and its trailer, which was posted on YouTube, TSNAB has communicated with actor Sai Dharam Tej, the film’s producer, and director, advising them to avoid including objectionable scenes related to ganja (cannabis) and other narcotics and psychotropic substances. The bureau has warned of legal action under the NDPS Act if such scenes are depicted.
Notices were issued to actor Sai Dharam Tej, producer S. Nagavamshi, and director Sampath Nandi by TSNAB Director Sandeep Shandilya.
TSNAB has expressed apprehension that the title and scenes in the trailer may glorify drug consumption and trafficking, potentially violating the NDPS Act.
The bureau has urged the actor and filmmakers to refrain from portraying scenes that glorify the consumption, sale, peddling, or supply of ganja, and to avoid promoting practices detrimental to the younger generation.
Referring to the trailer, the notice points out that the protagonist’s business involving leafy vegetables is depicted as ganja. It cites Section 8 of the NDPS Act, which prohibits the cultivation of opium poppy or any cannabis plant, and Section 29, which stipulates punishment for abetment and criminal conspiracy.
The Director emphasized the Telangana government’s efforts to combat drug abuse, particularly among students and youth. He stated that portraying the protagonist as a ganja businessman and glorifying his actions, along with the title ‘Ganja Shankar,’ could have negative repercussions, particularly on students and youth.
