South Central
South Central 21 | Empuraan Row, Bulldozers at Hyderabad Central University
Apr 4, 2025
Nikhil Narendran, a lawyer at Tri Legal, shares legal insights on the Hyderabad University land controversy. Nandini Chandrashekar, an editor at The News Minute and an HCU alumna, critiques the government's motives for auctioning green land. Meanwhile, environmental journalist Bahar Dutt highlights the student movement advocating for biodiversity preservation amidst state violence. The discussion reveals the tensions between urban development and ecological heritage, underscoring urgent calls for accountability and awareness.
01:15:22
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast critiques the Empuraan controversy and highlights the vulnerability of artistic expression to external political and cultural pressures.
- Students at Hyderabad University are actively resisting the government's decision to auction ecologically significant land, reflecting a surge in environmental activism.
Deep dives
Emburan Controversy and Cuts
The podcast delves into the controversy surrounding the film 'Empurran,' which faced backlash for its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Following the negative response, the film's makers announced 24 voluntary cuts, a decision influenced by the outrage among fans of the lead actor Mohanlal. Critics argue that this response sets a concerning precedent, suggesting that creative expression is vulnerable to external pressures. The discussion highlights the larger implications for the film industry and society's expectations of artistic freedom in the face of political and cultural sensitivities.
