'Draupathi 2' faces controversy; Madras HC refuses to intervene in the film's censor, Mohan G directorial set for January 23 release

Mohan G, who directed 'Pazhaiya Vannarappettai', made a huge impact on Tamil cinema with his directorial venture 'Draupathi' (2020), a highly debated yet commercially successful film. He has now helmed the predecessor 'Draupathi 2', with Richard Rishi playing the titular role and Rakshana Induchoodan as Draupathi's Devi. With the theme of historical drama, the film has been made, and it is going to be released on January 23, along with the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, demanded by theatre owners.

Petition raises objections over historical portrayal in 'Draupathi 2'

As per News 18, the film was at the center of a controversy even before its release when a petition was filed by Mahamuni from Melur in the Madurai district with the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court. In the petition, it was submitted by the petitioner that the producers have claimed that the ‘Draupathi 2’ movie was based on the life of King Veeravallala Devan who ruled in the 14th century with Tiruvannamalai as capital. According to the petition, going by the epigraphy, copper plates and other records it was clear that King Veeravallala Devan was not from the Kallar community. However, he alleged that director Mohan G had portrayed the king as belonging to a community in the film.

Objection to censor certificate and demand for ban on 'Draupathi 2'

The petitioner further alleged that the film posters intentionally mentioned the ruler only as 'Veeravallalan,' omitting his full name with ulterior motives. Saying that this disinformation might result in public uproar, he mentioned that protests already took place in Melur. Besides, a condemned the Censor Board for the fact that they had been given a U/A rating for the film. They totally ignored my representation for the withdrawal of the certificate, he alleged. On these grounds, the petitioner prayed for a fresh evaluation of the movie by the Censor Board and the suspension of it until the supposed historical errors were rectified.

Court declines complaint

When the matter was heard by Justice R. Vijayakumar, the learned counsel for the Central Government submitted before him that the Censor Board had issued a U/A certificate for 'Draupathi 2' on December 31. Taking into consideration the same, the judge said that now that the statutory authority concerned had issued the certificate, the court could not interfere in the issue. However, the Judge gave liberty to the petitioner to approach the court in the form of a public interest litigation. With this observation, the court dismissed the complaint and disposed of the petition, clearing the way for the film’s scheduled release.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”