Kargil war veteran turns filmmaker to fight suicide crisis, wins accolades

The Hindu

3 days ago

Gurrapu Jagadishwar Rao, a former Group Captain of the Indian Air Force and Kargil War veteran, has turned to cinema to spread awareness about suicide prevention.
The 67-year-old from Kazipet, Telangana, has produced a feature film titled September-10 — named after World Suicide Prevention Day — as part of his ongoing efforts in mental health advocacy.
Captain Rao is also credited with influencing the Telangana government to launch a 24x7 toll-free suicide prevention helpline (104) after he authored a book in Telugu on preventive strategies.
'I witnessed the supreme sacrifices of my colleagues during the war. In contrast, I was deeply moved by the preventable deaths by suicide of farmers, students, entrepreneurs and lovers, each case a tragic waste of life. To check this tendency, I visited many villages in Telangana and spoke to the kin of those who died by suicide. I was doing my management course at the ASCI, Hyderabad, during my research on suicides,' Captain Rao says.
Following his retirement in 2016, Captain Rao resolved to dedicate his life to suicide prevention. 'Cinema is the most powerful medium to reach the masses. That's why I produced this film in both Kannada and Telugu with English subtitles, to offer hope and educate people through stories drawn from real-life situations,' he explains.
The movie recently won three awards — Best Social Film, Best Concept Film and Best Director — at the 17th International Film Festival of Hyderabad Charminar (IFFHC) 2025.
Veteran director Om Sai Prakash, who helmed the project, received the Best Director award. 'I am thankful to the director for translating the essence of my book into a compelling narrative,' says Captain Rao, who previously implemented a successful suicide prevention model within the IAF during his service as a Class-I Education Officer.
Though September-10 is yet to be released in theatres, it has already attracted critical acclaim. Popular South Indian actor Suman, who attended the festival screening, remarks, 'The film presents the subject of suicide with honesty and emotional depth. It is more than a film; it is a mirror to the silent struggles of people from different walks of life. It urges society to listen, empathise and act with compassion.'
Sarah Afreen, a psychiatrist from the Institute of Mental Health at Erragadda in Hyderabad, also praises the film for its psychological depth and sensitivity. 'The film avoids sensationalism and portrays suicide as the result of prolonged emotional suffering, loneliness or trauma. The characters are portrayed with authenticity, making their pain both palpable and relatable,' she says.
She adds that the film effectively captures psychological themes through symbolic cinematography using silence, shadows and visual metaphors to communicate isolation and despair. 'It underscores the role of empathy and timely psychological support. Even a single compassionate conversation can make a difference,' Dr.Afreen notes.
A narrative of 5 stories
Possibly the first feature film globally to depict a wide spectrum of suicides in a single narrative, September-10 is structured around five interconnected stories. Each segment highlights a different trigger while advocating preventive measures.
Farmer Suicides focuses on economic distress caused by crop failures, mounting debts and societal pressures, including dowry demands.
Lovers' Tragedy is a rural love story involving two agricultural graduates who are torn apart by class divide and parental opposition, leading the couple to despair.
Businessman's Crisis is centered on a self-made entrepreneur who faces financial ruin after risky investments made to meet his spouse's unrealistic ambitions.
Student Struggle explores the tension between parental academic expectations and a teenager's passion for sports, leading to internal collapse.
Parental Pressure is about a girl, who, burdened by her mother's demand for near-perfect academic scores to secure an overseas job, spirals into hopelessness.
A psychiatrist character connects the five narratives, guiding the families toward recovery and reinforcing the central message that suicide is preventable through understanding, timely intervention and emotional support.
The film also features stories of people with physical and intellectual disabilities who defy adversity, sending a message of resilience and hope.
'September-10 is not just a film, it is a movement. It urges society to see the warning signs, have open conversations and ensure no one feels so alone that death seems like the only way out. The film's runtime is 1.52 hours,' Captain Rao said, adding that he spent ₹80 lakh on the film production.
Several NGOs and associations in Hyderabad are gearing up to screen the movie in September and October for students and the public at large.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)