The Indian balladeer Gaddar, born Gummadi Vittal Rao, passed away in August last year. A poet and singer of repute, he was a communist revolutionary who was active in the Maoist insurgency movement.
In a recent statement, Prof. Kancha Ilaiah, an author and Ambedkarite, said that a biopic on Gaddar will fetch India an Oscar award. "Gaddar was the greatest artist since the Harappan era. If a biopic is made on him, an Oscar Award is guaranteed," Ilaiah said.
The Oscar campaign alone takes Rs 50 Cr or even more, as the 'RRR' experience showed. A film on Gaddar won't be made with a budget of more than Rs 2 Cr because no producer would see financial viability in his biopic. Only a few outdated idealogues loaded with donations made by rich people (ironically) will see merit in such a passion project.
Recently, the Telangana government announced state awards in the name of Gaddar. These awards will be given to the best cinematic talent.
