'RAZAKAR' will be released in Telugu, Hindi and other languages on March 15. The film has been directed by Yata Satyanarayana. In his latest interview, producer Gudur Narayana Reddy, who is a BJP leader from Telangana, talks about what prodded him to make the film about the atrocities of the Razakar militia in the 1940s. He also vehemently refutes the charge that 'Razakar' has been made as a propaganda movie to help the BJP at the time of elections.
Excerpts from his interview:
Message from God:
A few years ago, I had a darshan of Lord Venkateswara in Tirupathi. While returning in my vehicle, I heard a voice use the word 'Razakar.. Razakar'. I somehow believed that God Himself was asking me to make a movie on the history of the Razakar militia and how they attempted the ethnic cleansing of Hindus in the wake of Indian Independence. While India gained Independence on August 15, 1947, Hyderabad was yet to be liberated. The Nizams were hell-bent on changing the cultural, demographic and linguistic character of the Hyderabad state.
BJP doesn't need 'Razakar':
A film like this is not needed by the BJP. Narendra Modi ji is the strongest leader in the country. He doesn't need me to make a film. BJP is the world's most popular party with 13 crore members.
Let's know our history:
The Nizam era has been whitewashed by some motivated individuals. Nizam kings are credited with building a University and a hospital. They didn't spend their money to do it. They extracted taxes from the public, most of whom were Hindu.
A high-quality movie:
'Razakar' is not a cheap-quality movie but a best-quality visual one. I spent Rs 50 Cr on its making. In a scene, you will see 900 extras. This is a Baahubalian range. The hype for the movie is real. Even national media channels are taking my interviews.
Ordinary Muslims are not opposing:
Only politically motivated individuals have a problem with 'Razakar'. Ordinary Muslims don't have any issues. Hyderabad is a beautiful place today. It was liberated by Sardar Patel. He is the Father of Hyderabad.
Future movies:
I won't be active in politics. I am already 62. I will continue to do movies that are both meaningful and have a social message. I will also do family films.
