Did KCR’s snub to Jr NTR result in a huge financial loss?

The ‘Brahmastra’ pre-release event at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad has been talked about because of the extraordinary circumstances in which it was cancelled last Friday at the last minute. Jr NTR was supposed to be on his way to the venue when the Hyderabad police told the organizers to put off the event, resulting in instant media headlines and frantic breaking news all over. Even the national media widely reported the news because of how the big-scale event was killed all of a sudden.

The producer of the film had spent Rs 2.25 Cr on the event. About 800 policemen were to be present to provide security. Meals were prepared for them. After the event was cancelled, a presser was arranged at a star hotel. Another Rs 10-15 lakh went into holding it. 

The quantum of financial loss aside, there are speculations that the event was cancelled for political and not security reasons. Chief Minister KCR wanted to snub Jr NTR, who was to attend the event as the chief guest. Tarak had met with Amit Shah only a couple of weeks ago. Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and BJP are KCR’s arch-rivals these days. 

There is this speculation that Shah requested the ‘RRR’ actor to do a film on the atrocities of the Razakars during the Nizam era during the meeting. This would take a Hindutva and political hue if and when the film is made. It can even influence the political narrative in Telangana, given the communal nature of the era. 

It has to be seen where this is going to end. For now, many believe that Jr NTR was embarrassed by KCR.