Irumudi row: Telangana labour department summons makers over child actor Nakshathra’s working hours
New Delhi: Telangana’s labour department has sent a notice to the team behind Irumudi, the Ravi Teja film directed by Shiva Nirvana, following a complaint about child actor Nakshathra. The complaint concerns the minor’s role in both the shoot and the film’s promotions. Producers Mythri Movie Makers have been called to a meeting on the matter.
Complaint and meeting details
Telangana Today reports that C Mahesh Babu, founder-president of Jai Lok Satta (Social Justice Forum), filed the complaint with the labour department. He raised concerns about Nakshathra’s working hours and remuneration, among other points. The joint commissioner of labour for Ranga Reddy Zone has fixed November 4 for the meeting with the production house. It will be held at Anjaiah Karmika Samkshema Bhavan in RTC X Roads. Officials are also likely to look into whether the conversations and language at a promotional event harmed the child actor’s dignity and safety, the report adds.
Documents sought from producers
The notice says Mythri Movie Makers’ handling of Nakshathra’s shooting and promotional work allegedly violated child labour rules. Papers now sought include the District Magistrate’s permission, parental consent, working hours, attendance, educational arrangements and safety measures. Records of her participation in promotional activities have also reportedly been requested. The department wants to know too whether 20 per cent of her remuneration was placed in a fixed deposit account in her name. Producers must bring all relevant records to the meeting.
Ravi Teja’s remark at the pre-release event
Ravi Teja had already drawn criticism for a word he used about Nakshathra at Irumudi’s pre-release event in August. Onstage, the child actor asked him, “What nickname would you like to give me?” He used an allegedly objectionable term twice while people around him laughed awkwardly. Nakshathra then said, “Sorry, I don’t know the meaning.” Ravi replied, “I will tell you later.”
Literally, the term means overtly mature. It has earlier been used affectionately for a precocious child, but it is also a derogatory word for women.
Criticism followed the event, with many questioning why such a word was used for a child star at a public gathering. Fans defended the actor, saying it is often meant fondly, while others felt it was unsuitable. Neither Ravi nor the film’s team has commented publicly on the row.
Irumudi hit theatres on August 21 and is now streaming on Netflix. The film follows a man with violent tendencies who fights against child abuse.