25 November 2022
Hyderabad

Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), acting on a private complaint, on Thursday issued a show cause notice to production house Sri Venkateswara Creations for using five elephants for a sequence in their Sankranti release Varasudu without seeking due pre-shoot permission. It is mandatory as per the Rule 3 (1) of the Performing Animals Rules, 2001 that every person has to register with the Board if the animals are being exhibited or trained.

Exhibiting the animals without the permission of the Board is an offense under Section 26 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The tuskers are protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and obtaining prior permission for using performing animals in films is mandatory as per Rule 7(2) of the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001.

The Board has directed SVC to submit a full and comprehensive explanation of the violations within seven days of receiving the letter, failing which it shall take any or all such action as it may deem to be proper and necessary for the welfare of the animals.

Varasudu, which stars Thalapathy Vijay and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles, is a highly anticipated venture. Vamshi Paidipally is directing it. Tipped to be an emotional family entertainer, it has earworms by Thaman. The first single of the film, Ranjithame, has already been a musical smash.