HYDERABAD, February 6: The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has announced its decision to institute annual awards recognising excellence in Telugu cinema. These awards will honour outstanding films and performances each year. The TFCC plans to commemorate the birth anniversary of Telugu cinema on 6th February annually, during which these awards will be presented. On this day, actors, producers, and industry professionals are encouraged to hoist a specially designed flag at their residences and theatres, with the design entrusted to Paruchuri Gopala Krishna. The Chamber clarified that these awards will be in addition to those conferred by the government.
This initiative has garnered positive responses from industry circles. The inaugural Telugu film, ‘Bhakta Prahlada,’ was released on 6th February 1932, a date now celebrated as the birth of Telugu cinema. Technicians across 24 crafts participate in these celebrations.
Concurrently, the state government, under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has introduced the ‘Gaddar Awards’ to be presented annually on Ugadi, replacing the erstwhile Nandi Awards. A committee has been formed to establish guidelines and oversee the design of these awards. The government aims to recognise and encourage films that promote national unity, cultural, educational, and social values, and exhibit high technical proficiency and humanitarian themes. Awards will be given across various categories, including feature films, children’s films, and books on Telugu cinema.
The simultaneous announcements from both the TFCC and the state government have sparked discussions within the industry. Observers note that while the TFCC has not previously instituted its own awards, its current decision comes as preparations for the Gaddar Awards are underway, leading to speculation about the motivations behind this move.
