Sky Force: Kodava people condemn misrepresentation of Squadron Leader A B Devayya in Hindi movie

Some section of Kodava community have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

Madikeri: The issue of portraying the character of Maha Vir Chakra awardee Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya, as a Tamilian in the Hindi movie 'Sky Force', directed by Sandeep Kewlani has drawn the ire of people from Kodagu.

The move by the filmmakers has been criticised on social media. Tweeting about Ajjamada B Devayya, the people opined that even though the movie is based on him, his character has been misrepresented. 

Some have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

The film was released on January 24 and is said to be inspired by the life of Ajjamada B Devayya and by his role in destroying a Pak aircraft during the Indo-Pak war in 1965. He was martyred during the fight. 

Speaking to DH, Codava Makkada Coota president and publisher Bollajira B Aiyappa said that the real name of the patriot should have been used for the lead character in the film. Even though the character's name is changed, the identity of him being Kodava should have been shown. The change of his identity as a Tamilian has hurt the sentiments of Kodavas. Kodagu has given Field Marshals, Generals and Squadron leaders to the country, he said.

Ajjamada  B Devayya.

“The movie makers had come to Kodagu to collect information about A B Devayya. The opening and closing credits of the movie have made a mention about the story being based on A B Devayya's life, he said.

He further stated that a book has been published about Ajjamada B Devayya – '1965 ra Yuddha Hagu Kodagina Mahavira'. The Coota has been observing his commemoration on September 7 every year at A B Devayya Circle in Madikeri where the statue is situated. The statue is erected and is being maintained by Codava Makkada Coota, Aiyappa added.