Legal Trouble for Sai Dharam Tej’s Character Ganja Shankar; Notice Issued by Anti Narcotics Bureau
The Telangana State Anti Narcotics Bureau has sent notifications to actor Sai Dharam Tej, director Sampath Nandi, and producer Naga Vamsi regarding their film title “Ganja Shankar.” They have expressed concern over the depiction of drug use and have requested them to avoid showcasing any scenes or imagery related to drug consumption.
In a recent announcement on X, the NAB informed that Director @TS_NAB has issued a notice to the #GANJASHANKAR film crew, expressing concerns regarding the title and content portraying a character involved in the cannabis business in a positive light. The NAB urges the film industry to be mindful and avoid glorifying the sale or consumption of controlled substances under the NDPS Act. They also tagged @TelanganaDGP in the message.
The notification posted on X by Sandeep Sandhilya, the director of NAB, stated that portraying the main character involved in the marijuana trade and glorifying his actions in the film titled “Ganja Shankar” would have a negative impact on viewers, particularly students and youth. They urged the filmmakers to avoid depicting any scenes where the use, sale, distribution, or promotion of marijuana is glamorized and presented as heroic. It was emphasized that such portrayals could have harmful effects on the younger generation, and therefore, they should refrain from promoting such behaviors in the movie.
The producers have been instructed to remove the term ‘ganja’ from the title of the film. Sandhilya, in the notice, emphasized that the title “Ganja Shankar” should be altered, specifically by removing the word “ganja,” with the mention of potential legal consequences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 for non-compliance. Similar notices were dispatched to the heads of the Telugu Film Producers Council, Directors Association, and Movie Artist Association.
There have been recent rumors circulating about the film “Ganja Shankar” facing cancellation due to budget limitations. However, the production team has yet to confirm or provide any updates regarding these rumors, leaving fans in the dark about the status of the movie.
