The sleuths of Special Operation Team of Rachakonda Police Commissionerate apprehended Dasari Sairam from Film Nagar here.
Sairam is directing "Devuda" casting new artists.
"During the making of the movie, the director had included some scenes in which the hero character pours whiskey and cigarettes...," a senior police officer said.
Based on a complaint lodged by Bajrang Dal leader U Naveen, Neredmet Police registered a case under sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings), 298 (uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to hurt the religious feelings of any person) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc) of IPC.
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Recently, teaser of "Devuda" was released on YouTube by the director and the film producer G Hari Kumar Reddy, prompting a complaint by a section of society saying it has hurt their religious sentiments, the officer said.
The clipping was taken out after Rachakonda police commissionerate brought the matter to the notice of YouTube management.
Sairam told interrogators that he had previously directed "Lottery" and "Mitravinda" movies with new artists.
He told police he decided to cast the particular scene in "Devuda" as he was 'inspired' by the visuals of certain rituals involving devotees purportedly telecast on two local news channels.