Jagadeeswar Reddy, a former film censor board member, has reportedly requested the Election Commission to stall the release of 'NOTA' in Telangana. Reason? The film, with its title and possibly pro-NOTA stand, will influence the voters of the state to press the 'None Of The Above' option in the upcoming Assembly elections.

It seems the controversy is inherently ridiculous, given that it's questioning the film's democratic right in the name of batting for the democratic voting rights of the public. In any case, pressing the NOTA option on EVMs is a democratic right, too.

Also, the makers have said that the film doesn't bat for NOTA at all. It only calls for alternative politics.

The Vijay Deverakonda entertainer will be screened to the Censor board on Monday for certification. But Jagadeeswar Reddy's request to the EC is that the political thriller should first be screened to the DGP, Chief Electoral Officer of the state election commission, Chief Secretary of Telangana and other relevant authorities.