BC Commission seeks removal of objectionable caste reference in ‘Odela-2’

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Backward Classes (BC) Commission has urged authorities to take action to remove objectionable dialogue from the Telugu film Odela-2, following a complaint about a derogatory reference to the Pichiguntla caste.

The Commission has written to the Cyberabad Police Commissioner and the Regional Censor Board Officer, seeking an investigation into the issue and the removal of the offensive content from all future screenings.

The complaint was filed by P. Mallesh, a member of the Pichiguntla community, who objected to a scene in which the caste name is used in a disrespectful manner during a wedding sequence. In the scene, a village sarpanch presents a gift of ₹116, followed by a dialogue that allegedly disparages the community.

More than 4000 drunk drivers booked, 76 lakhs fine imposed in 23 days, in Hyderabad

Mallesh stated that although he filed a complaint at the Attapur Police Station, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered so far.

In its letter, the BC Commission requested that the police look into the matter and take appropriate action. It also sent a copy of the letter to the Director General of Police (DGP), Telangana, urging timely intervention.

In response, Censor Board Officer Rahul Gaulikar has reportedly assured the Commission that the objectionable words will be removed from the film. The BC Commission has also expressed concern over the Censor Board’s approval of the film without addressing the offensive dialogue. A separate letter has been sent to the Regional Censor Board Officer highlighting this issue.

Odela-2, a 2025 Telugu-language supernatural thriller, is directed by Ashok Teja and written by Sampath Nandi. The film stars Tamannaah Bhatia, Hebah Patel, and Vasishta N. Simha.

A sequel to Odela Railway Station (2022), the film is set in a fictional village and revolves around divine protection from evil forces. Despite its theme, the film has received mixed reviews and faced criticism for its writing and direction.

BC Commission Intervenes Over Caste Reference in Odela-2, Demands Removal#Hyderabad: The Telangana BC Commission has intervened over a controversial scene in Odela-2, following a complaint about a derogatory reference to the Pichiguntla caste.

The complaint, filed by P.… pic.twitter.com/8euUi06HzP

— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) April 26, 2025