Acclaimed director Ram Gopal Varma took the public by surprise with an unexpected declaration on X (previously known as Twitter). He expressed his intention to participate in the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, representing Andhra Pradesh. Specifically, he will be vying for a seat in the Pithapuram constituency.

Varma’s tweet read, “Unexpected decision. Delighted to announce my candidacy from Pithapuram.” However, he refrained from divulging further details about his political venture.

This news broke shortly after the Telugu Desam Party-Bharatiya Janata Party-Jana Sena Party (JSP) alliance announced that popular actor and JSP leader, Pawan Kalyan, would also be contesting from the same constituency. This sets the stage for a potential face-off between the two celebrities.

Ram Gopal Varma
Image : The Indian Express

Controversy surrounding “Vyahoom”

In the backdrop of this political development is the controversy surrounding Varma’s film, “Vyooham”. The movie, which delves into the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh and the events leading to the demise of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, had sparked outrage among local leaders. They demanded Varma’s expulsion from the state due to the film’s contentious content. The film features Manasa Radhakrishnan, Ajmal Ameer, and Surabhi Prabhavathi in pivotal roles.

Varma had previously been embroiled in a dispute with TDP supremo Nara Chandrababu Naidu, TDP leader Nara Lokesh, and actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan. The contention arose over an alleged protest staged outside Varma’s office in Hyderabad, in response to his politically charged film, “Vyooham”.

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