Ravi Teja movie 'Irumudi' triggers controversy amid blockbuster run
The film's release has been marred by controversy surrounding its depiction of teachers and public educators. The Andhra Pradesh Teachers Federation (APTF) has voiced strong objections, citing the demeaning portrayal of educators and damage to the reputation of the government schooling system
The latest Telugu release "Irumudi" is creating headlines for two very different reasons. While the Ravi Teja-starrer is enjoying a remarkable run at the box office, its portrayal of teachers has triggered protests from the Andhra Pradesh Teachers Federation (APTF), which says the film demeans
The latest Telugu release "Irumudi" is creating headlines for two very different reasons. While the Ravi Teja-starrer is enjoying a remarkable run at the box office, its portrayal of teachers has triggered protests from the Andhra Pradesh Teachers Federation (APTF), which says the film demeans
The latest Telugu release "Irumudi" is creating headlines for two very different reasons. While the Ravi Teja-starrer is enjoying a remarkable run at the box office, its portrayal of teachers has triggered protests from the Andhra Pradesh Teachers Federation (APTF), which says the film demeans
The latest Telugu release "Irumudi" is creating headlines for two very different reasons. While the Ravi Teja-starrer is enjoying a remarkable run at the box office, its portrayal of teachers has triggered protests from the Andhra Pradesh Teachers Federation (APTF), which says the film demeans public educators and damages the image of the government schooling system.
The APTF, led by State President Chennupati Manjula and General Secretary Basavalingarao, has demanded the immediate removal or modification of certain scenes. At the centre of the controversy is a female principal or teacher, played by Swasika Vijay, who is shown in a highly negative and sinister manner.
Teachers' representatives are particularly concerned because the film reportedly names a real school. The students in the controversial scenes also wear the official government-school uniform used across Andhra Pradesh. According to the APTF, these details make the fictional story appear to be directly connected to the state's real public education system.
The controversy comes at a time when "Irumudi" is enjoying major commercial success. Film reviewers have noted that the teacher subplot plays an important role in building the emotional tension before the climax. However, the APTF has warned of statewide protests if production house Mythri Movie Makers and director Shiva Nirvana do not remove or change the disputed sequences. The filmmakers have not yet officially responded to the demands.
Despite the controversy, the film's box-office performance has remained strong. "Irumudi" crossed ₹50 crore in India net collections within its first three days, giving Ravi Teja his best theatrical opening to date. By Day 4, the film had reportedly earned ₹62.40 crore in India net and ₹72.50 crore in India gross. Worldwide collections had crossed ₹73 crore.
The Telugu-speaking states have been the biggest contributors, with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana driving much of the domestic business. The film also made a strong impression overseas, becoming Ravi Teja's first film to cross the $1 million mark in North America. Its Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam versions, however, have recorded relatively modest collections.
Made on a reported budget of around ₹35 crore, "Irumudi" reached its theatrical break-even point within just two days. With strong ticket sales and a major post-theatrical OTT deal reportedly adding to its earnings, the film is emerging as one of Tollywood's most profitable releases of 2026.