Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma makes surprise announcement: Enters politics, to Contest Lok Sabha Election

Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has surprised many with his recent announcement of entering politics ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Varma declared his intention to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh, specifically from the Pithapuram constituency.

In a succinct tweet, Varma wrote, “Sudden decision. Am happy to inform that I am contesting from Pithapuram.” However, he did not provide further details regarding his political aspirations or campaign strategy.

SUDDEN DECISION..Am HAPPY to inform that I am CONTESTING from PITHAPURAM ????????

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) March 14, 2024

Varma’s decision to enter politics comes at a significant juncture, coinciding with the announcement of the Telugu Desam Party-Bharatiya Janata Party-Jana Sena Party (JSP) alliance’s candidate for the Pithapuram seat, Tollywood actor and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan.

This move by Varma follows a series of controversies surrounding his recent film, “Vyooham,” which delves into the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh, particularly focusing on the circumstances surrounding the demise of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. The film features actors Manasa Radhakrishnan, Ajmal Ameer, and Surabhi Prabhavathi.

Last year, Varma faced criticism and calls for his expulsion from the state by local leaders following the release of “Vyooham.” The film’s portrayal of sensitive political subjects stirred controversy and drew the ire of certain political figures, including TDP supremo Nara Chandrababu Naidu, TDP leader Nara Lokesh, and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan.

Varma had previously expressed his discontent with these political figures, particularly targeting Naidu, Lokesh, and Kalyan for their alleged involvement in protests outside his office in Hyderabad related to the screening of “Vyooham.”

As Varma ventures into the political arena, his decision is sure to spark interest and speculation among both his supporters and detractors. The filmmaker-turned-politician’s entry into politics adds another layer of intrigue to the dynamic landscape of Andhra Pradesh politics, setting the stage for a potentially riveting electoral battle in the Pithapuram constituency.