Telugu Cinema

The History
Contents

1 Telugu cinema 1
1.1 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1.1 Early development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1.2 Rise of the “talkie” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Commercial stance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 Critical reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5 Cast and crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.6 Film Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.7 Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.8 Guinness records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.9 Dubbed films . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.10 State awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.11 Regional awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.12 Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.13 See also . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.14 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2 Nandi Awards 12
2.1 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.2 Honorary Awards - Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3 Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.4 Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.5 Copper - since 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.6 Copper - since 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.7 Most awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.8 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.9 Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.9.1 Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.9.2 Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.9.3 Content license . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

i
Chapter 1

Telugu cinema

Telugu cinema, also known by its sobriquet Tollywood, second in India, in terms of films produced yearly.[25]
is a part of Indian cinema producing films in the Telugu The industry holds a memorandum of understanding
language, and is centered in the Indian states of Andhra with Motion Picture Association of America to combat
Pradesh and Telangana, particularly in the Hyderabad video piracy.[26][27][28] Contemporary films like Dookudu
neighbourhood of Film Nagar.[4] Since 1909, filmmaker (2011), and Eega (2012) have each grossed more than ₹
Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu was involved in many as- 100 crore (approximately 15.7 Million US Dollars) at the
pects of Indian cinemas history like producing short worldwide box office.[29][30][31] upcoming film Baahubali,
films, travelling to different regions in Asia to promote touted to be the most expensive Indian film,[32][33] was
film work. In 1921, he produced the first silent film featured in BBC's documentary on 100 Years of In-
Bhishma Pratigna. He is cited as the father of Telugu dian cinema directed by Sanjeev Bhaskar.[34][35][36][37][38]
cinema.[5][6][7] 2015 epic film Rudhramadevi is the first Indian 3D
[39][40]
In 1933, East India Film Company produced its first historical film.
Indian film, Savitri, in Telugu. Shot in Calcutta on
a budget of ₹ 75 thousand, and based on a popular
stage play by Mylavaram Bala Bharathi Samajam, the 1.1 History
film was directed by father of Telugu Theater Movement
Chittajallu Pullaiah and cast stage actors Vemuri Gagga-
iah and Dasari Ramathilakam as “Yama” and “Savithri” 1.1.1 Early development
respectively.[8] The blockbuster film has received an hon-
orary diploma at Venice Film Festival.[9] The Telugu film industry was originated with silent
films in 1912, with the production and release of
The 1951 film Patala Bhairavi was the first South Bhisma Pratighna in 1921 [42] The film was directed by
Indian film, premiering at the first India Interna- Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu and his son R. S. Prakash.[43]
tional Film Festival,[10][11] held in Mumbai on 24 Jan- On the other hand, Yaragudipati Varada Rao and, R. S.
uary 1952.[12][13][14] CNN-IBN listed Patala Bhairavi Prakash Rao have established a long-lasting precedent
(1951), Malliswari (1951), Devadasu (1953), Mayabazar of focusing exclusively on religious themes; Nandanar,
(1957), Nartanasala (1963), Maro Charithra (1978), Gajendra Moksham, and Matsyavatar, three of their most
Maa Bhoomi (1979), Sankarabharanam (1979), Sagara noted productions, centred on religious figures, parables,
Sangamam (1983), and Siva (1989), among The 100 and morals.[44] In 1935, Andhra Cine Tone was built in
Greatest Indian Films of All Time.[15] Visakhapatnam by Gottumukkala Jagannadha Raju. He
T. Subbarami Reddy has produced Bhagavad Gita in introduced digital theater sound with the 1933 film Ja-
[45]
Sanskrit and Telugu which received the National Film gadamba.
[16][17]
Award for Best Feature Film in 1993. The first
film studio in South India, Durga Cinetone was built in
1936 by Nidamarthi Surayya in Rajahmundry, Andhra 1.1.2 Rise of the “talkie”
Pradesh.[18] In the years 2005, 2006 and 2008 the
industry has produced the largest number of films The first Telugu film with audible dialogue, Bhakta
in India exceeding the number of films produced in Prahlada, was produced by H.M. Reddy, who directed
Bollywood.[19][20] The industry holds the Guinness World the first South Indian talkie Kalidas (1931). Bhakta
Record for the largest film production facility in the Prahlada was completed on 15 September 1931, which
world.[21] The Prasads IMAX located in Hyderabad is one hence forth became known as “Telugu Film Day” to com-
of the largest 3D IMAX screen, and the most attended memorate its completion;[49] however, the film had a the-
cinema screen in the world.[22][23][24] atrical release on 6 February 1932.[50][51][52] Popularly
As per the CBFC report of 2012, the industry is placed known as talkies, films with sound quickly grew in num-
ber and popularity. In 1934, the industry saw its first ma-

1
2 CHAPTER 1. TELUGU CINEMA

in lead roles, the film attracted unprecedented numbers

of viewers to theatres and thrust the young industry into
mainstream culture.[53]
By 1936, the mass appeal of film allowed directors to
move away from religious and mythological themes.[53]
That year, under the direction of Krithiventi Nageswara
Rao, Prema Vijayam, a film focusing on social issues,
was released. Its success prompted the production of
dozens of other immensely successful 'social films’, no-
tably 1939’s Vandemataram, touching on societal prob-
lems like the practice of giving dowry, Telugu films in-
creasingly focused on contemporary living: 29 of the
96 films released between 1937 and 1947 had social
themes.[54]
In 1938, Gudavalli Ramabrahmam, has co-produced and
directed the social problem film, Mala Pilla which dealt
with the crusade against untouchability, prevailing in pre-
independent India. [55][56] In 1939, He directed Raithu
Bidda, starring thespian Bellary Raghava. The film was
banned by the British administration in the region, for de-
picting the uprise of the peasantry among the Zamindar's
during the British raj.[57][58]
1940 film, Vishwa Mohini, is the first Indian film, de-
picting the Indian movie world. The film was directed
by Y. V. Rao and scripted by Balijepalli Lakshmikanta
Kavi, starring Chittor V. Nagaiah in the lead role.[59][60]
1951 film Malliswari is the first Telugu film, to be
Promotional poster of Bhakta Prahlada the first full length Tel- screened at International film festivals like Asia Pacific
ugu talkie produced and directed by H. M. Reddy to have a the- Film Festival. The film had a public release with thir-
atrical release.[41] teen prints along with Chinese subtitles at Beijing on 14,
March 1953, and a 16 mm film print was also screened
in the United States.[10][61] The film was directed by
Bommireddy Narasimha Reddy, the first person to re-
ceive the Dada Saheb Phalke Award from South Indian
film industry. He was the first Indian film personality, to
receive Padmabhushan in 1974, and the Doctor of Letters
honour.[61]
The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent re-
source scarcity caused the British Raj to impose a limit
on the use of filmstrip in 1943 to 11,000 feet,[62] a sharp
reduction from the 20,000 feet that had been common
till then.[63] As a result, the number of films produced
during the war was substantially lower than in previous
years. Nonetheless, before the ban, an important shift
occurred in the industry: Independent studios formed,
actors and actresses were signed to contracts limiting
whom they could work for, and films moved from social
themes to folklore legends.[64] Ghantasala Balaramayya,
has directed the mythological Seetarama Jananam under
Vuppaladadiyam Nagayya, first multilingual film actor, singer, his home production, Prathiba Picture, marking veteran
music composer, producer and director in South India to be hon- Akkineni Nageswara Rao's Telugu film acting debut in
oured with the Padma Shri.[46] He is known as the Paul Muni of 1944.[65]
India, and the first Telugu film star.[47][48]

jor commercial success with Lavakusa. Directed by C.

Pullaiah and starring Parupalli Subbarao and Sriranjani
1.3. COMMERCIAL STANCE 3

Annapurna International School of Film and Media are

some of the largest film schools in India.[73][74] The Tel-
ugu states consist of approximately 2800 theaters, the
largest number of cinema halls of any state in India.[75]
The Nandi Awards is the most prestigious award cere-
mony for excellence in the production of Telugu Film,
Theatre and Television. It is presented annually at Lalitha
Kala Thoranam in Hyderabad, India,[76] by the Film,
Television and Theatre Development Corporation of the
Telugu state(s).[77] “Nandi” means “bull”, the awards being
named after the big granite bull at Lepakshi — a cultural
and historical symbol of the Telugu culture.

1.3 Commercial stance

Thespian Akkineni Nageswara Rao founded Annapurna Studios

in 1970.

1.2 Industry
Moola Narayana Swamy and B. N. Reddy founded Vijaya
Vauhini Studios in 1948 in the city of Chennai.[66] Indian Hyderabad International Convention Center has been the Hyder-
film doyen L. V. Prasad, who started his film career with abad home for Filmfare Awards South since 2007.[78][79]
Bhakta Prahlada, founded Prasad Studios in 1956 based
in Chennai.[67] However, through the efforts of D. V. S. Known for being commercially consistent,[80] Telugu
Raju, the Telugu film industry completely shifted its base cinema had its influence over commercial cinema in
from Chennai to Hyderabad, India in the early 1990s,
India.[81] As one of the revenue generating film indus-
during N. T. Rama Rao's political reign.[68] tries, Telugu film production accounts for one percent
Veteran actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao relocated to Hy- of the gross domestic product of the region.[80][82] [83]
derabad and has developed Annapurna Studios. The Tel- Chiranjeevi's 1992 film Gharana Mogudu, directed by K.
ugu film industry is one of the three largest film producers Raghavendra Rao, is the first Telugu film to gross over ₹
in India. About 245 Telugu films were produced in 2006, 10 crore at the box office.[84]
the highest in India for that year. Film studios in Hyder- 2006 film, Bommarillu was released worldwide with 72
abad, developed by D. Ramanaidu and Ramoji Rao, are prints. Owing to the success of the film, the number of
involved in prolific film production and employment.[20] reels grew to about hundred.[85] It collected a distribu-
There is a fair amount of dispersion among the Indian tors share of ₹5 crore in its opening week in India.[85]
film industries. Many successful Telugu films have been Released in six major metros in the United States, the
largely remade by the Bengali cinema while fewer have film collected $73,200 (then approximately ₹0.3 crore)
been remade by Hindi and Tamil film industries.[69] The within the first four days of screening.[85] A September
industry also remakes a few Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam 2006 survey done in the United States by a popular en-
films. Some Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada films are tertainment portal revealed that the film was watched by
dubbed into Telugu on release.[70] an Indian expatriate population of 65,000, which gener-
The digital cinema network company UFO Moviez mar- ated a revenue of ₹3 crore at that time.[85] A cumula-
keted by Southern Digital Screenz (SDS) has digitized tive gross revenue for the film was reported to be as ₹25
several cinemas in the region.[71] [72] The Film and Tele- crore including ₹3.5 crore from overseas, the largest for
vision Institute of Telangana, Film and Television Insti- any Telugu film at that time. Owing to this path break-
tute of Andhra Pradesh, Ramanaidu Film School and ing trade, the film was remade into Tamil, Bengali, Oriya
4 CHAPTER 1. TELUGU CINEMA
and Hindi.[86] 2006 action film, Pokiri has been remade in
Hindi, Tamil and Kannada in the following two years ow-
ing to the film’s commercial success. It was screened at
the IIFA film festival held in Dubai in 2006. [87] Walt Dis-
ney Pictures co-produced Anaganaga O Dheerudu, mak-
ing it the first South Indian production by Disney.[88][89]
2009 fantasy film, Magadheera was released to critical
acclaim; with a worldwide share of ₹78.1 crore (US$13
million) making it one of the highest grossing Telugu
films of the time. The film was dubbed into Malayalam,
Tamil and was remade in Bengali as Yodha-The Warrior,
and emerged as a box office hit. 2011 action comedy,
Dookudu was released among seventy nine screens in the
USA, the Los Angeles Times quoted it as The biggest hit
you've never heard of.[90][91][92] In the rest of north, east
and west India, it opened up in 21 cities.[93] The film set
a box office record by collecting a gross of more than ₹1
billion at the time.[94][95]
2012 film Eega grossed ₹1.25 billion (US$20 million)
including all the dubbed versions.[96][97][98][99] In 2013,
Attarintiki Daredi collected a worldwide share of ₹492
million (US$8.2 million). The film collected a world-
wide share of ₹798 million (US$13 million) in three
weeks, becoming the biggest Telugu film grosser of all
time.[100][101] 2014 film’s 1: Nenokkadine and Aagadu,
became the highest opening weekend Indian film(s) in
U.S. box office alongside Bollywood films like Krrish
3 and Kick.[102][103] Enhanced technology among live
action animation, digital compositing, and special ef-
fects paved the way for upgrading from established
cinematic norms. Visual effects based fantasy films
like Magadheera, Arundhati, Eega and Dhamarukam
emerged as blockbusters. Pete Draper, P. C. Sanath,
Chakri Toleti and V. Srinivas Mohan are some of the vi-
sual effects professional’s from the state known for their
works in Telugu films.[104][105]
1.4 Critical reception
Vasiraju Prakasam and K. N. T. Sastry are one of the
noted Indian film critics from the state.[106][107] The
industry is one of the largest producers of folklore,
fantasy, mythological and melodrama films.[108][109][110]
Film makers like Kadiri Venkata Reddy, B. Vitta-
lacharya and Kodi Ramakrishna have pioneered this
genre.[11][108][111] Mayabazar and Patala Bhairavi got crit-
ical acclaim at the inaugural International Film Festival of
India in the 1950s.[112][113] 1956 film Tenali Ramakrishna
has garnered the All India Certificate of Merit for Best
Feature Film. In 2013, IBN Live's Poll listed Mayabazar
as the finest Indian film of all time.[114] Nartanasala won
the best art direction award at the Afro Asian film festival
in Jakarta.[115] Donga Ramudu directed by K. V. Reddy
was archived in the curriculum of the Film and Television
Institute of India,[11] 1967 film Ummadi Kutumbam was
selected by Film Federation of India as one of its entries
to the 1978 Moscow Film Festival.[116][117]
Sankarabharanam won the Prize of the Public at the
Besancon Film Festival of France in the year 1981.[118]
Thilaadanam won the New Currents Award at the 7th
Busan International Film Festival of South Korea.[119] B.
Narsing Rao produced Maa Bhoomi which was show-
cased at Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Cairo and Sidney
Film Festivals. He directed, Daasi and Matti Manushulu
which won the Diploma of Merit award at the Moscow In-
ternational Film Festival in 1989 and 1991 respectively.
Maa Ooru directed by him won the Media Wave Award
at the Hungary International festival of visual arts.[120]
In 2003, he directed Hari Villu which was nominated in
the Critics’ Week section at the 56th Cannes Film Festi-
val.[121][122][123] Cinematographer turned director, M. V.
Raghu has directed the Neo-realistic film Kallu (1988),
scripted by Gollapudi Maruti Rao has received thirty state
awards and has garnered special mention from the CBFC
Jury.[124] Chandra Siddhartha's 1995 film, Nirantharam
based on 1948 Telangana Rebellion, has received special
mention at Cairo and Locarno International Film Festi-
vals.[125]
Bapu's Seeta Kalyanam got critical acclaim at the BFI
London Film Festival and Chicago International Film
Festival, and is part of the curriculum at British Film In-
stitute.[126] [127] Swati Mutyam (1986) is the only Telugu
film to be sent by India as its official entry for the Best
Foreign Language Film for the Academy Awards.[128][129]
Swati Mutyam and Sagara Sangamam got critical acclaim
at Asia Pacific Film Festival.[130][131] Oka Oori Katha has
won special awards at Karlovy Vary International Film
Festival and Carthage Film Festival.[132] Vanaja won sev-
eral international awards including the first prize in the
live-action feature film category at the Chicago Interna-
tional Children’s Film Festival.[133] 2012 film Dream, has
garnered the Royal Reel Award at the Canada Interna-
tional Film Festival.[134][135][136]
2013 Fantasy film Eega, premiered in the Marché du
Film section of 2013 Cannes Film Festival has garnered
awards for the Most Original Film, Best Special Effects,
Best Comedy, Best Fights, Best Film to watch with a crowd,
Best Editing, Best Villain and Best Hero (Fly) in the 8th
Annual Edition Toronto After Dark Film Festival.[137]
2013 Social problem film, Na Bangaaru Talli has received
Best Film award at the Trinity International Film Festi-
val in Detroit, and four Awards at the Indonesian Inter-
national Film Festival.[138][139][140] 2014 film Minugurulu
was selected as Best Indian Film at the 9th India Inter-
national Children’s Film Festival, held at Bangalore.[141]
2013 Cultural film, O Friend, This Waiting! has re-
ceived special mention at the Erasing Borders Festival
of Classical Dance, Indo-American Arts Council, New
York, 2013.[142] 2014 film Parampara has garnered the
Platinum Award for Best Feature at the International
Indonesian Movie Awards.[143]
1.6. FILM SCORE 5

1.5 Cast and crew Raju, first 70mm film Simhasanam, first DTS film Telugu
Veera Levara (1988) and introducing cowboy and James
Bond styles to the Telugu screen.[160]
Emergence of director Jandhyala in the 1980s saw the
growth of comedy film genre in Telugu cinema.[161]
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao and Ram Gopal Varma have
received international recognition for bringing out new
genres.[162][163] Contemporary film maker’s like Sekhar
Kammula, Chandra Sekhar Yeleti, Mohan Krishna Indra-
ganti, Deva Katta, G. Neelakanta Reddy and Narasimha
Nandi have made their mark among the Indian panorama
sections of the International Film Festival of India in the
last decade.[164][165][166][167][168] Noted film editor from
the state, A. Sreekar Prasad, known for his initial works
in Telugu films of the 1980s, has garnered national recog-
nition for film editing across multiple languages of Indian
cinema.[169]
S. V. Ranga Rao, N. T. Rama Rao, Kanta Rao,
Bhanumathi Ramakrishna, Gummadi, Savitri and
Sobhan Babu are the actors who received the erstwhile
Rashtrapati Award for best performance in a leading
role.[170][171] Gummadi was an official member of the
Indian delegation from South India to the Tashkent Film
Festival in 1978 and 1982.[172] He served as the Jury
Member thrice for the 28th, 33rd, and 39th National
Film Awards.[173][174][175] Sri Sri was one of the influ-
Chiranjeevi was an Indian guest of honor at the 59th Academy
Awards[144][145]
ential film lyricists of his time, who garnered national
honours like Sahitya Akademi Award, Best Lyricist and
[176]
Chittor V. Nagaiah was one of the most influential ac- Soviet Land Nehru Award for his pioneering work.
tors of South Indian cinema.[47] S. V. Ranga Rao, was Sharada, Archana, Vijayashanti, Rohini, Nagarjuna
one of the first south Indian actor to win the Best Actor Akkineni, and P. L. Narayana are the actors to receive
Award for his portrayal of Kichaka in Nartanasala at the the National Film Award for best performance in acting.
Indonesian Film Festival held in Jakarta.[146][147] N. T. Chiranjeevi, widely known as Megastar, was listed among
Rama Rao was one of the most commercially success- “The men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema"
ful Telugu actors of his time.[148] K. N. T. Sastry and by IBN-live India.[177][178] Brahmanandam, a Telugu ac-
Pattabhirama Reddy have garnered international recogni- tor, holds a Guinness World Record for acting in the most
tion for their pioneering work in Parallel Cinema.[149][150] films in the same language.[179][180]
Adurthi Subba Rao, has garnered ten National Film
Awards, the highest individual awards in Telugu cinema,
for his pioneering work as a director.[151] Akkineni Ku-
tumba Rao's Patha Nagaramlo Pasivadu received Cairo 1.6 Film Score
International Film Festival's, Merit Certificate for best
feature.[152][153] Susarla Dakshinamurthi, Parupalli Ramakrishnaiah Pan-
Dasari Narayana Rao has directed the most number tulu, Ogirala Ramachandra Rao, Pithapuram Nageswara
of films in Telugu, he directed Meghasandesam, which Rao, Tanguturi Suryakumari, and Mangalampalli Bal-
got critical acclaim at Cannes and Moscow Film Festi- amuralikrishna are some of the influential music com-
[181][182][183]
val.[154][155]
Noted director B. S. Narayana was a mem- posers of Soutern-Indian cinema. Music
ber of the Indian delegation to the Tashkent Film Fes- composers such as Pendyala Nageswara Rao, R. Sudar-
tival in 1974, and the Moscow International Film Fes- shanam and R. Goverdhanam made contributions to folk-
[184][185]
tival in 1975. [156]
V. N. Reddy and KS Prasad, one of lore and mythological films.
the pioneering cinematographers in Telugu cinema, have Madhavapeddi Satyam, P. Adinarayana Rao, Gali Pen-
garnered nationwide recognition for their work in cine- chala Narasimha Rao, Chellapilla Satyam, P. B. Sreeni-
matography in various Indian languages.[157][158][159] Ac- vas, S. P. Kodandapani, G. K. Venkatesh, S. Hanuman-
tor and producer, Krishna Ghattamaneni is credited with tha Rao, have contributed their work extensively for films
producing many technological firsts in Telugu film Indus- containing themes of social relevance.[186] S.P. Balasub-
try like the first eastman color film Amarasilpi Jakkanna rahmanyam is a multilingual playback singer from Tel-
(1964), the first Cinemascope film Alluri Seetharama ugu cinema to win National Film Awards across four lan-
6 CHAPTER 1. TELUGU CINEMA

1.8 Guinness records

• Guinness Record had been awarded to Ramoji Film
City, Hyderabad as the largest film studio complex
in the world, it opened in 1996 and measures 674
hectares (1,666 acres). With 47 sound stages, it
has permanent sets ranging from railway stations to
temples.[21][199]

• Movie producer D.Rama Naidu holds the Guinness

World Record as the most prolific producer with 130
films.[200]

• Telugu actor Brahmanandam holds the Guinness

World Record for acting in the most number of films
in a single language.[179][180][201][202]

S. P. Balasubrahmanyam in 1985 • Playback singer S. P. Balasubramanyam holds the

Guinness World Record for having sung the most
number of songs for any male playback singer in
the world,[203][204][205] with the majority of his songs
guages. He holds the record of having recorded more sung in Telugu.
songs than any other male playback singer and has re-
ceived 25 state Nandi Awards.[187]
• In 2002, the Guinness Book of Records named
Ghantasala, P. Susheela, S. Janaki, M. M. Keeravani, Vijaya Nirmala as the female director with the most
and Ramesh Naidu are some of the musicians and play- number of films, having made 47 films. In a career
back singers to receive National recognition. Multi- spanning approximately two decades, she has acted
instrumentalists duo Raj-Koti holds a notable career span- in over 200 films with 25 each in Malayalam and
ning a decade, the duo has garnered particular acclaim Tamil and produced 15 films.[206]
for redefining contemporary music.[188][189] R. P. Pat-
naik is the current president of the Telugu Cine Music
Association.[190]
1.9 Dubbed films
The 1949 film Keelu Gurram was the first Telugu film to
be dubbed into the Tamil language, being subsequently
released under the name Maya Kudhirai.[10] According to
1.7 Distribution the Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce, “as per
the Judgement of Supreme Court in Ashirwad Films in
W.P.(Civil) No.709 there will be no difference in taxation
As of 2012, Dookudu had one of the largest worldwide of films between the dubbed films coming in from other
openings for a Telugu film, having been released glob- states and the films produced in the Telugu States”.[207]
ally onto 1,600 screens,[191] including 71 in Hyderabad,
Telangana.[192] The film became the first Telugu project
to release in Botswana and was opened in a single screen 1.10 State awards
with one show by the Telugu Association of Botswana.
Dookudu was released over 79 theatres in the United
States; the Los Angeles Times quoted Dookudu as “the 1.11 Regional awards
biggest hit you've never heard of.”[193]
Further, it was released in Netherlands, Germany, South • Sangam Academy Award
Africa, Dubai and Finland, the first for a Telugu film in
addition to regular overseas markets such as Singapore, • Chittor Nagaiah Puraskaram
Malaysia and the UK.[194] The producers approached the
• CineMAA Awards
high court of India for a John Doe Order to prevent piracy
of the film.[195] It set a box office record for the Telugu • Allu Rama Lingaiah Award
film industry by collecting a gross of more than ₹1 billion
(approximately 15.7 million US Dollars).[196][197][198] • Gollapudi Srinivas Award
1.14. REFERENCES
• Shri B. Nagi Reddy Best Wholesome Entertainment
Film Award[208]
• FNCC Awards
• Santosham Film Awards
• T. Subbarami Reddy Award[209]
• ANR National Award
1.12 Studios
1.13 See also
• List of highest-grossing Tollywood (Telugu) movies
• Cinema of India
• Cinema of the world
• Filmfare Awards South
• List of South Indian film families
• South Indian International Movie Awards
• Tollywood Kolkata
• Raghupathi Venkaiah Award
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Chapter 2

Nandi Awards

The Nandi Awards is the highest award ceremony for ex- new year. The Government has transferred the activity
cellence in Telugu cinema, Telugu Theater, Telugu Tele- relating to conferring Nandi Awards to the Film Televi-
vision, and Life time achievements in Indian cinema, sion and Theatre Development Corporation. Since 1998,
presented annually by Government’s of Andhra Pradesh. the awards are being organized by the them.[10]
“Nandi” means “bull”, the awards being named after the
The Awards are given in the categories of feature films,
big granite bull at Lepakshi — a cultural and historical feature films on national integration, children’s films, doc-
symbol of Telugus. Nandi Awards are presented in four
umentary films, educational films, and books/articles on
categories: Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper. A variant, Telugu cinema in Telugu language for the best films, pro-
Nandi Natakotsavam Awards for Theater is also given ev-
ducers, directors, artistes, and technicians. The awards
ery year by the government for social, mythological and are usually in the form of Golden Nandi, Silver Nandi,
poetic dramas.[4][5][6] Bronze Nandi, and Copper Nandi in addition to medals,
Annually, a state panel appointed by the government se- cash prize and commendation certificates.
lects the winning entry, and the award ceremony is held
in Hyderabad, where in the Chief Minister gives away the
awards. A list of rules is presented every year in a doc- 2.2 Honorary Awards - Gold
ument of regulations. The criteria for eligibility contains
many clauses. Among them, there is a direct requirement
Raghupati Venkaiah Award
for the makers of a film, and particularly films entering
the competition should be produced in Andhra Pradesh
and Telangana, and in case of co-production involving a • Highest Award for Life Time Achievement in
foreign entity, there are as many conditions which should Telugu Cinema: since 1980[11]
be fulfilled in order for the film to qualify.[7][8]
According to the criteria, in order to be eligible for con- NTR National Award
sideration of the jury, a film should be certified by the
Central Board of Film Certification between January 1 • Life Time Achievement and contribution to Indian
and December 31. The Government do not have influ- Cinema: since 1996[12]
ence over which films are selected for consideration and
which films ultimately win awards. However, There are Bommireddy Narasimha Reddy National Award
strict criteria which are being scrutinized by the govern-
ment as to whether a film is eligible for consideration by • 2008: K. B. Tilak (director and producer)[13]
the jury panels.[9]
• 2009: K. Raghavendra Rao (film director)[14]

• 2011: Shyam Benegal (film director)[15]

2.1 History
Nagireddy-Chakrapani National Award
The Nandi Film Awards were commissioned to recog-
nize and commend the best films produced in the Tel-
• 2011: G. Adiseshagiri Rao – (film producer)[15]
ugu language in the states of Andhra Pradesh from 1964
onwards. The objective of the film awards is to encour-
age the production of films in Telugu language with high
technical excellence and aesthetic values bearing cultural, 2.3 Gold
educational, and social relevance and also promoting the
integration and unity of the nation. Awards are given an- • Best Feature Films – Gold, Silver and Bronze: since
nually and are presented in a public event on the Telugu 1964

12
2.6. COPPER - SINCE 1997
• Sarojini Devi Award for a Film on National Integra-
tion: since 1999
• Nandi Award for Best Children Film: since 1999
• Nandi Award for Best Documentary Films - Gold
and Silver: since 1999
• Nandi Award for Best Popular Feature Film: since
1999
2.4 Silver
• Best Actor: since 1972
• Best Actress: since 1972
• Best Director: since 1981
• Best Educational Film: since 1999
• Akkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature
Film: since 1999
2.5 Copper - since 1977
• Best Cinematographer: since 1977
• Best Music Director: since 1977
• Best Male Playback Singer: since 1977
• Best Female Playback Singer: since 1977
• Best Lyricist: since 1977
• Best Supporting Actor: since 1981
• Best Supporting Actress: since 1981
• Best Screenplay Writer: since 1977
• Best Story Writer: since 1981
• Best Audiographer: since 1981
• Best First Film of a Director: since 1985
• Best Character Actor: since 1985
• Best Male Comedian: since 1985
• Best Female Comedian: since 1985
• Best Dialogue Writer: since 1983
• Best Choreographer: since 1985
• Special Jury Award: since 1981
• Best Villain: since 1985
13
2.6 Copper - since 1997
• Best Male Dubbing Artist: since 1997
• Best Female Dubbing Artist: since 1997
• Best Book on Telugu Cinema: since 1997
• Best Child Actor: since 1999
• Best Child Actress: since 1999
• Best Editor: since 1999
• Best Art Director: 1999
• Best Makeup Artist: since 1999
• Best Costume Designer: since 1999
• Best Fight Master: since 1999
• Best Film Critic on Telugu Cinema: since 1999
• Best Special Effects: since 2003
2.7 Most awards
1) S. P. Balasubrahmanyam - 25 Awards
2) S. Janaki - 10 Awards
3) Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry - 10 Awards
4) P. Ravi Shankar - 9 Awards
5) K. S. Chithra - 9 Awards
6) Sunitha Upadrashta - 9 Awards
7) Mahesh Babu - 7 Awards
8) Daggubati Venkatesh - 7 Awards
2.8 References
[1] Open-air auditorium to be constructed in Kakinada. The
Hindu (2012-12-23). Retrieved on 2014-01-21.
[2] Telugu Teachers outside Andhra Pradesh,Telugu Teachers
outside Andhra Pradesh,Telugu Teachers outside Andhra
Pradesh. Teluguwebsite.com. Retrieved on 2014-01-21.
[3] “Government announces Nandi Awards committee mem-
bers”. Ragalahari.com. 2007-12-23. Retrieved 2012-10-
13.
[4] October 13, 2012 11:45 pm (2010-10-08). “Nandi
Natakotsavam Awards”. India Scanner. Retrieved 2012-
10-13.
[5] “2011 Nandi Awards winners list – The Times of India”.
The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-10-13.
[6] “Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News: ETV, SVBC, DD
sweep Nandi awards”. The Hindu. 2010-11-11. Re-
trieved 2012-10-13.
14 CHAPTER 2. NANDI AWARDS

[7] “Front Page: Nandi awards for 2005 announced”. The

Hindu. 2006-11-12. Retrieved 2012-10-13.

[8] “Nandi Awards Committee appointed by AP government

– Telugu Movie News”. IndiaGlitz. 2009-07-24. Re-
trieved 2012-10-13.

[9] “Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News: Nandi Natakot-

savam from June 19”. The Hindu. 2004-06-17. Retrieved
2012-10-13.

[10] : ANDHRA PRADESH STATE

NANDI FILM AWARDS (1964–1974). Telugucin-
emacharitra.blogspot.in (2011-01-07). Retrieved on
2014-01-21.

[11] “The Hindu: Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News: Balaiah

to head Nandi Awards panel”. Hinduonnet.com. 2005-
09-02. Retrieved 2012-10-13.

[12] “Raghupathi Venkaiah, Nagi Reddy, Chakra-

pani, B.N. Reddy and NTR National Awards an-
nounced…News,Telugu movie news, latest news,
political news, Updated Movie News:Raghupathi Venka-
iah, Nagi Reddy, Chakrapani, B.N. Reddy and NTR
National Awards announced…". Myfirstshow.com.
Retrieved 2012-05-28.

[13] “Nandi Award for Ravi Teja, Swati”. The Hindu. 17

March 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2010.

[14] Prakash KL (2010-12-07). “B Saroja .in”. Retrieved

2012-05-28.

[15] Eenadu daily, Eeenadu Cinema, Page 10, Nandi life time
achievement awards, retrieved, March 24, 2013.
2.9. TEXT AND IMAGE SOURCES, CONTRIBUTORS, AND LICENSES 15

2.9 Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

2.9.1 Text
• Telugu cinema Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telugu_cinema?oldid=670789426 Contributors: Julesd, Johnh123, Postdlf, Au-
ric, DocWatson42, Zigger, Varlaam, Huaiwei, Bishonen, Giraffedata, Chirag, Alansohn, Wtmitchell, Dave.Dunford, BDD, Woohookitty,
BD2412, , The wub, MarnetteD, Gurubrahma, DVdm, Bgwhite, RussBot, Stephenb, Gaius Cornelius, Rsrikanth05, Ospalh, JH-
Caufield, Black Falcon, Fram, JLaTondre, SmackBot, Jagged 85, Gilliam, Ohnoitsjamie, Getramkumar, Anwar saadat, Ajay ijn, DMacks,
Salamurai, Ohconfucius, Gnt, Beetstra, Dl2000, MikeWazowski, HelloAnnyong, Sganeshkumar 1989, SkyWalker, J Milburn, Baludasari,
Karenjc, CMG, K mahesh85, Cydebot, Borok, Gogo Dodo, Otto4711, Pvskrishnapraveen, Doug Weller, DumbBOT, Ebyabe, Qwyrxian,
Universal Hero, Nick Number, Vijay 123ind, Raghunc, Trakesht, MikeLynch, Ekabhishek, MER-C, Soorya4india, Magioladitis, AtticusX,
JamesBWatson, Dharmadhyaksha, Ashishbhatnagar72, STBot, Rettetast, R'n'B, CommonsDelinker, Rohinikumart, Abhijitsathe, Nani-
wako, Sureshnaidu, Gopimohan, Shshshsh, KylieTastic, Jamesofur, Geekdiva, Rajasekhar1961, Alexandria, Karthiktreddy, Quantpole,
Roland zh, Copana2002, Raj808, Gunwanti, Donrub, Flyer22, Sbowers3, Fratrep, Dravecky, Sudhakarsr, Lukasz Lukomski, Mr. Granger,
Max.srinivas, Martarius, Sfan00 IMG, ClueBot, Tatavj, Aditya0908, Plastikspork, EoGuy, Ramaraju040, Unbuttered Parsnip, Niceguyedc,
Orpheon, Auntof6, Mspraveen, LeoFrank, M4gnum0n, Rhododendrites, Islaammaged126, Kiranavs, Arjayay, TheRedPenOfDoom, Gun-
dersen53, Callrecall911, Thehelpfulone, Apparition11, DumZiBoT, XLinkBot, Staticshakedown, Vanished user k3rmwkdmn4tjna3d,
Vijayvizag, GSMR, Thaejas, Jncraton, Debresser, Tassedethe, Teles, Yobot, Fraggle81, Hridayath, Pavn123, 1s9r9i0, AnomieBOT,
Noq, Adam mugliston, BsBsBs, Killiondude, Keithbob, AdjustShift, MEKNOWITALL, Iam.spark55, Materialscientist, Citation bot,
Prathambhu, LilHelpa, M4Murali, Shashankbathula, Anna Frodesiak, Mlpearc, Bandreddit, Cinemaghar, Cruz-iglesia, Transpar3nt, Nik
Mars, Mathonius, Naveenrams, Telugodu123, Reddy2323, Geocraze, Anilch99, FrescoBot, Usmanzaffer786, Munasabu, Kchaitanya21,
Jackfontane, VindyaRani, Abhi437, Neal007, Stezie9, Kongaru Vamshi, Kichappan, Redrose64, SpacemanSpiff, Kalaravi v, Notedgrant,
Hoo man, Kranthibuzz, Hariehkr, Cstguys, Clockmiles, Naveen.reddygaru, Srishka, Kranthibuzzz, Jonkerz, Vsatish5, Woodcutterty, Ys
reddy16, Dr.palakodety, Chaitanya055, Techzene, Jhenderson777, Andhragc, Tbhotch, TheMesquito, Shreyal K, RjwilmsiBot, Nellor-
ereddy, DRAGON BOOSTER, John of Reading, Ragumar, Rajeshg1992, Sripalsama, GoingBatty, Active Banana, AsceticRose, Ven-
satry, DragoSupremo, Bollyjeff, Irfanbroadnet, Raviranua, Patz64, Rockpreethi123, Karthikndr, Fages, Rashmi1990, Anonymous303,
Kumarjg, Bill william compton, Roopchand85, K. the Surveyor, ClamDip, Ppwrong, No2vndlsm, Ramya9632, Behindwoods, Vyshnav-
ibalaji, Vox Pluvia, Tollygunge, 6poundhammer, Prabhu3, Prabhu6, Jinnyjolly, Lakshmi7, Rocktruly18, Helpsome, ClueBot NG, Jack
Greenmaven, Wikivigilance, Roughstrikes, Vividdoor12, Kaverijha23, Babyboy33, RajaNeela1993, Legitimateuserqa, Kesinenimurthy,
Stone Roger, Veera828, Sriharanathrayala, Anupmehra, Adityamadhav83, MerlIwBot, Secret of success, Strike Eagle, Titodutta, Mohan-
jodaro21, DBigXray, Kailash29792, BG19bot, Suriya.karthi2011, Sudo-swiki, MKar, Wikileaks23, Ason27, X-menfirstclass, PhnomPen-
cil, Anil 666, Rkchow, Arunashields1, Benjaminvetri, Snow Blizzard, Onlydookudu, Vin09, Snowcream, Vensatry234, Dazedbythenash,
MThekkumthala, Ramajogayyasastry, Intercell, Coralshin, Hiteccity, Sai Kishore.dl, BattyBot, Dav subrajathan.357, Aarakshan, Pushpak-
sen, Mahanandi, Moviehub, Kekamohan, Ancienzus, Panickroom, Sthanambharadwaj, Mogism, தமிழ்க்குரிசில், Abitoby, Head12hunter,
Frosty, Nandhakishore, Curtlyambrose, Political Cricketer, 12pavan34, Bioradsq, Wpjustice, RTPking, Arjunsingar, Andhrapk, Stem-
sell, Visdaviva, Vandevord, Dravidianhero, Govindarajan Devarajan, Misconfig, Covidien, PC-XT, Wheelwat, Kondakotaiah, Lathyruss,
Minihifi, Ruby Murray, The Ajan, Pradyumnudu, Pamsha, Gadgetsgigs, Manumurali2012, Murrallli, Evano1van, Vgnome, Asifreza.good,
Ethicalead, Manikumarpathivada, Fullypak, Noyster, Vinaykrishna2000, TheCrimsonLegacy, Tollyzoom, Marchoctober, JaconaFrere,
Satteeshvarma, Gnyan1, RajtheEmperor, I Luv Cinema.Telugu, Filedelinkerbot, Vieque, Tharunu, Sai santhosh00, Sairam maganti,
Mathsraja, Dakinibsm, Niranjantati, Responsible Common Man, SPANDAN MUKHERJEE, Maheshan 95, KH-1, Laxmanvensoft, Be-
wakoofian, Ngsplatform, Pushpakan, Bhishek, Praneeth Ramakrishna, Nirmalpraveen2, Aarmikd, Indianuserscom, Danice thrall, Neel-
balam, Deionuur, Ungli, Sajeeth100, Karu121, Anthimpag, Chintavamsi, Gnganing, Prathyulive, Iliasaliahmad, ABCD7, Muzibur Rahman
(FARHAN), Entrabagondhi, Thagavalvarle, Fygu, Luxpapa and Anonymous: 493
• Nandi Awards Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandi_Awards?oldid=670603753 Contributors: Mel Etitis, Woohookitty, Rjwilmsi,
Gurubrahma, SmackBot, Hmains, Getramkumar, Jax184, Ajay ijn, Hariharan91, Arjun1591, Mlpkr, Shyamsunder, AndrewHowse, Cy-
debot, Universal Hero, AtticusX, JamesBWatson, Sodabottle, Wikiuserphil, Krzna, Excirial, Coccyx Bloccyx, XLinkBot, Airplaneman,
GDibyendu, Addbot, Yobot, Materialscientist, LilHelpa, GrouchoBot, MerlLinkBot, GainLine, Hariehkr, Kurri, DRAGON BOOSTER,
Vensatry, Nagarjuna198, Kaverijha23, Veera828, Helpful Pixie Bot, DBigXray, SidhardhRamesh, BG19bot, Wikileaks23, Vamshi49,
Hiteccity, BattyBot, Rhsiddartha, Vandevord, HariharBrahma, Murrallli, Evano1van, 7Sidz, Arabindu, Bhishek, Anthimpag, Simha har-
sha, CrazyStar007 and Anonymous: 36

2.9.2 Images
• File:A.Nageswara_Rao.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/A.Nageswara_Rao.jpg License: Public do-
main Contributors: Pesum Padam, May 1951 (Tamil Monthly, Chennai, India) Original artist: Unknown
• File:Bhakta_Prahlada_1931.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Bhakta_Prahlada_1931.jpg License:
Public domain Contributors: Scan of origional Original artist: Unknown
• File:Chiranjeevi_at_Amitabh_Bachchan’{}s_70th_birthday_celebration_(cropped).jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/
wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Chiranjeevi_at_Amitabh_Bachchan%27s_70th_birthday_celebration_%28cropped%29.jpg License: CC
BY 3.0 Contributors: http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/more/photos/view/stills/parties-and-events/id/1574606 Original artist:
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com
• File:Chittor_V._Nagaiah.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f6/Chittor_V._Nagaiah.jpg License: Fair use Con-
tributors: ? Original artist: ?
• File:Commons-logo.svg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg License: ? Contributors: ? Original
artist: ?
• File:Emaar.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Emaar.jpg License: CC-BY-SA-3.0 Contributors: Trans-
ferred from en.wikipedia by SreeBot Original artist: Cephas 405 at en.wikipedia
• File:Indiafilm.png Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Indiafilm.png License: LGPL Contributors: Modi-
fication of work from Commons, based on Her Pegship's image Danishfilm.png which in turn is a combination of Image:Nuvola apps
aktion.png and Image:Flag of Denmark.svg Original artist: Hans Hommens (original author unknown to me)
16 CHAPTER 2. NANDI AWARDS

• File:Indiafilm.svg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/Indiafilm.svg License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors:

Own work Original artist: Binnette
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Transferred from en.wikipedia Original artist: Mohan Krishnan (talk)
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License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: Transferred from en.wikipedia; transferred to Commons by User:Cephas_405 using
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• File:S._P._Balasubrahmanyam.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/S._P._Balasubrahmanyam.jpg Li-
cense: CC0 Contributors: Own work Original artist: Robertbrnstn

2.9.3 Content license

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