Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Oct 27: Prabhas’ upcoming period action film Fauzi has landed in controversy after Chandra Kumar Bose, grandnephew of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, urged the makers to withdraw the teaser, alleging that its portrayal risks misrepresenting historical events.
Chandra Kumar Bose, a socio-political activist and former BJP vice-president in West Bengal, appealed to director Hanu Raghavapudi and production banner Mythri Movie Makers to remove the teaser and release a revised version that does not distort history.
“Mixing fiction with history is a crime,” Bose wrote in a response to a post by Suparno Satpathy on X. He also expressed hope that Prabhas would take note of his appeal.
Titled ‘File No 25’, the teaser was released on October 23 to mark Prabhas’ 47th birthday. Set against the backdrop of the freedom struggle during World War II, it opens in Berlin in 1942, showing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose meeting German dictator Adolf Hitler.
During the conversation, Bose refers to an Indian superspy who has troubled the British and helped Japan gain control of Singapore. He also discusses a code inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, presented as a powerful tool against British intelligence.
The teaser introduces Prabhas as a fictional spy, soldier and strategist operating under Bose, later showing him in an action sequence wielding a large gun.
The depiction of historical figures Bose and Hitler alongside the fictional protagonist has drawn criticism from some viewers, who questioned the use of the freedom fighter’s legacy to elevate a fictional character. Others have defended the film, pointing out that it is a work of fiction.
The controversy gained attention after Satpathy praised the teaser while cautioning against mixing fiction with history. He argued that films can influence generations and that depicting Netaji endorsing a fictional character could create misconceptions about historical events.
Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, known for Sita Ramam, Fauzi is a period action drama set during the 1930s and 1940s. Prabhas plays an Indian soldier and spy fighting British colonial rule. The film also stars Imanvi and Anupam Kher.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and presented by T-Series Films, Fauzi is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2027.