Ravi Teja’s Irumudi under fire for hurting Ayyappa devotees’ sentiments; Samithi demands public apology

Irumudi poster (Picture via X)

Ravi Teja's latest Telugu film Irumudi, directed by Shiva Nirvana, has landed in another controversy. The Akhila Bharata Ayyappa Deeksha Prachara Samithi has objected to certain scenes in the film, alleging that they hurt the sentiments of Ayyappa devotees and affect the sanctity associated with Guruswamis.

Samithi demands apology from Ravi Teja and makers

As reported by Telugu Samayam, the members of the Samithi held a press conference at Somajiguda Press Club and expressed their strong displeasure over the film. According to the organisation, they watched Irumudi later and were upset by the way Ayyappa Deeksha and Guruswamis were portrayed.

The Samithi's general secretary said that the film's depiction brings disrepute to Guruswamis and undermines their sanctity. He also questioned the use of the title Irumudi for a commercial crime-based story. Irumudi refers to the sacred bundle carried by Ayyappa devotees undertaking the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, and the members said they found its use in the film's context objectionable.

In a statement, the Samithi members also alleged that the movie portrays Ayyappa devotees as people who take the religious vow merely to stop drinking temporarily and return to alcohol once the Deeksha ends. They strongly objected to this portrayal, stating that devotees maintain discipline and purity not only during the Deeksha period but throughout the year.

The Samithi further claimed that the film's success was partly due to two songs centred around Lord Ayyappa. They argued that the religious significance attached to Irumudi should have been respected instead of being used for a crime-oriented commercial narrative.

The members demanded an unconditional apology from Ravi Teja, director Shiva Nirvana, the producers and the entire film unit. They also made a strong remark that devotees would forgive the makers only if they visited Sabarimala and sought forgiveness by chanting the traditional Saranam.

The controversy adds to the criticism already faced by Irumudi. Earlier, teachers' organisations had objected to certain scenes that they felt portrayed government schools and teachers in a negative manner.

Shiva Nirvana clarifies in press con

Responding to that controversy, director Shiva Nirvana had clarified that he never intended to insult the teaching profession. He said that every system has some people who act wrongly and explained that his intention was to highlight atrocities against girls through a hard-hitting narrative. Shiva also pointed out that he had completed an MSc and BEd and had worked as a teacher for some time, adding that he has immense respect for the profession.

While Irumudi continues its successful theatrical run, the latest objections from the Ayyappa Deeksha Prachara Samithi have now put the film and its team under fresh scrutiny.