Film portrays struggles of farmers

Reiterating their steadfast support for the cause of farmers, a host of organisations representing the farmers and other toiling masses have launched a social media campaign to promote the farmer-centric Telugu film, Rythanna, in an effort to amplify the farmers’ voices and support their protracted agitation against the Centre’s three farm laws through the powerful medium of cinema.

The recently released movie, directed by noted Telugu actor and producer R. Narayana Murthy, is based on the issues concerning farmers and their relentless struggle against the “anti-farmer” policies.

As the name suggests, the film portrays the vital role of Annadatas (food givers) as the backbone of the country’s economy and the plethora of issues concerning the farmers such as lack of remunerative prices for their produce, endless exploitation by middlemen, distress-induced suicides and the imminent risk of exploitation by corporate entities.

Various farmers and other mass organisations owing allegiance to the three Left parties have urged their members to watch the movie to be screened at Vinoda theatre in the town from October 2, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi jayanti, to express their solidarity with the farmers’ cause.

The film will be screened in four theatres — one each in Khammam, Madhira, Kothagudem and Yellandu towns in the old undivided Khammam district, considered the traditional bastion of the Left parties, for one week from Saturday.

Mr. Murthy, who played the lead role in the film, has been touring various parts of the erstwhile composite Khammam district for the past few days to promote the farmer-centric film.

He has met senior leaders of the CPI (M), the CPI and the CPI (ML-New Democracy) and other organisations seeking their cooperation to encourage the farmers and the toiling masses besides their party cadres to watch the film.

He interacted with farmers at various villages in Madhira mandal on Friday and exhorted them to watch the Rythanna movie.

Apart from highlighting agrarian crisis, farmers’ distress and their multitude of issues, the film shows the solution to these problems, says Mr. Murthy.