Telangana labour department issues notice to Irumudi makers over child actor
Mythri Movie Makers must provide records regarding child actor Nakshathra's safety, remuneration and working hours.
The Telangana labour department has issued a notice to the makers of the Ravi Teja-starrer Irumudi following a complaint regarding child actor Nakshathra. According to reports from Outlook, Hindustan Times, and Deccan Herald, the department is investigating the minor's working hours, safety, and remuneration during the film's production and promotional activities.
The complaint was filed by C Mahesh Babu, the founder-president of Jai Lok Satta (Social Justice Forum). The joint commissioner of labour for the Ranga Reddy Zone has scheduled a meeting with the production house, Mythri Movie Makers, for November 4 at Anjaiah Karmika Samkshema Bhavan in RTC X Roads.
The department has sought several documents, including parental consent, District Magistrate’s permission, attendance records, and details of working hours. Mythri Movie Makers must also provide information on educational arrangements, safety measures, and whether 20 per cent of the child actor's remuneration was deposited into a fixed deposit account in her name.
The notice follows controversy surrounding an August pre-release event where Ravi Teja allegedly used a derogatory term while interacting with the child actor. When Nakshathra asked for a nickname, the actor reportedly used a Telugu phrase that drew criticism online for being inappropriate.
Officials are expected to examine if child labour regulations were followed and if the language used during promotional events affected the child actor's dignity. Neither the actor nor the film's team has publicly addressed the matter.
Directed by Shiva Nirvana, Irumudi was released in theatres on August 21 and is currently streaming on Netflix.