Khadgam

Khadgam (transl. Sword) is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by Krishna Vamsi and produced by Sunkara Madhu Murali under Karthikeya Movies. It features Srikanth, Ravi Teja, Prakash Raj, Sonali Bendre, Sangeetha Krish and Kim Sharma in the prominent roles with music composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The film follows Koti and Murthy, struggling artists in Hyderabad, who find an ally in Amjed Bhai, a patriotic driver. Their lives intertwine with a cynical officer, Radhakrishna, as they unite to thwart a terrorist plot involving Amjed’s radicalised brother.

Released on 29 November 2002, the film was a blockbuster. The film won five Nandi Awards and three Filmfare Awards. The film is remade in Hindi as Insan (2005). The film has evolved into a cult classic in Telugu cinema, primarily revered for its unflinching portrayal of patriotism and its unapologetic stance on terrorism and religious extremism. During and after the film’s release, the cast and crew received threatening phone calls from extremist elements. These groups were unsettled by the film’s blunt, unflinching depiction of terroristsleeper cells and the radicalisation of youth, which were seen as highly provocative at the time.