| Nandi Awards | |
|---|---|
| Current:Nandi Awards of 2016 | |
 Swarna Nandi (The Golden Bull) | |
| Awarded for | Excellence in cinematic achievements for Telugu cinema Telugu theatre Telugu television |
| Sponsored by | Government of Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Presented by | Andhra Pradesh Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation[1][2] |
| Status | Active |
| Established | 1964 |
| First award | 1964 |
| Final award | 2016 |
| Website | apsftvtdc.in/nandi-awards |
TheNandi Awards are annual awards presented by theGovernment of Andhra Pradesh to recognise excellence inTelugu cinema,theatre, and television, as well as lifetime achievements inIndian cinema. The awards are named after themonolithic sculpture of the sacred bull,Nandi, atLepakshi, a cultural and historical symbol of theTelugu people.
The Nandi Awards are categorised into four levels: Swarnam (Gold), Rajatam (Silver), Kamsyam (Bronze), and Raagi (Copper). In addition to film and television awards, the government also presents the Nandi Natakotsavam Awards to honour outstanding contributions in social, mythological, and poetic dramas in Telugu theatre.[3][4]
| Nandi Awards |
|---|
.svg) |
| First Awarded in 1964 |
| 1965-1970s |
| 1970s |
| 1980s |
| 1990s |
| 2000s |
| 2010s |
TheGovernment of Andhra Pradesh commissioned the Nandi Film Awards to recognise and commend the best films produced in the Telugu language in Andhra Pradesh from 1964 onwards. The objective of the film awards is to encourage the production of films in the Telugu language with high technical excellence and aesthetic values bearing cultural, educational, and social relevance and also promoting the integration and unity of the nation. Awards are given annually and are presented in a public event onUgadi, Telugu New Year Day. The Government has transferred the activity relating to conferring Nandi Awards to the Film Television and Theatre Development Corporation. Since 1998, the awards have been organised by them.
The Awards are given in the categories of feature films, feature films on national integration, children's films, documentary films, educational films, and books/articles on Telugu cinema in Telugu language for the best films, producers, directors, artistes, and technicians. The awards are usually in the form ofGolden Nandi,Silver Nandi,Bronze Nandi, andCopper Nandi, in addition to medals, and commendation certificates.[5]
Annually, a state panel appointed by theGovernment of Andhra Pradesh selects the winning entries and theChief Minister of Andhra Pradesh presents the awards at the public ceremony. A list of rules is presented every year in a document of regulations. The criteria for eligibility include many clauses. Among them is a direct requirement that the film, and particularly films entering the competition, should be produced inAndhra Pradesh andTelangana, and in case of co-production involving a foreign entity, there are as many conditions which should be fulfilled in order for the film to qualify.[6]
In order to be eligible for consideration of the jury, a film should be certified by theCentral Board of Film Certification between 1 January and 31 December. The Government does not have influence over which films are selected for consideration and which films ultimately win the award. However, there are strict criteria which determine whether a film is eligible for consideration by the jury panels.[7]
The award is named afterRaghupathi Venkaiah Naidu, and presented annually to "an eminent film personality for his outstanding contribution toTelugu cinema." (since 1980).[8]
The NTR National Award is named in the memory of former chief minister and actorN. T. Rama Rao, and is presented to "an eminent film personality every year for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema." (since 1996).[9]
The award is named after directorB. N. Reddy and is presented to "an eminent film director for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the Indian Cinema," annually from 2009. The awardee receives a cash price of₹2lakh, a special memento, citation and shawl.[10]
Named after filmmakers,Nagi Reddi andChakrapani, the award is presented annually since 2009 to "an eminent film producer or writer or technician or infrastructure provider to the film industry for outstanding growth and development of Indian cinema every year." The awardee receives a cash price of₹2lakh, a special memento, citation and shawl.[16]
Since 1981, a Nandi Award for Best Educational Film has been attributed, although it was not awarded even year.[18]
| Year | Film | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Vimukti | |
| 2008 | Adavi Naa Thalliro | Alla Rambabu |
| 2007 | Good Bad Ugly | Magapu Suryakamala |
| 2005 | Blue | T. Sulthan |
| 2000 | Madhura Kshanam (Aid for AIDS) | Alla Rambabu |
| 1990 | Dhanalakshmi Kataksham | |
| 1986 | Keetakalu Prakruthi Yokka Adbutha Vara Prasadam | |
| 1985 | Bhoosara Pariksha | K. S. Ch. Bose |
| 1984 | Polio | K. S. Ch. Bose |
| 1981 | Manchineeti Saraphara | C. D. Kishore |
TheNandi Awards of 2014 have sparked a controversy where a few Telugu filmmakers have alleged political favouritism, casteism and negligence.[19]
The producer ofRace Gurram (2014),Nallamalupu Bujji felt that his film was ignored despite being "the biggest hit of 2014" as they did not indulge in lobbying.Bunny Vasu, a close associate of theKonidela–Allu family also echoed the same.[19] Some have pointed out that the winners mainly belonged to theKamma community.[20]Gunasekhar, the director of 2015 filmRudhramadevi, in an open letter to theGovernment of Andhra Pradesh wrote: "Why wasn'tRudhramadevi considered for one of the three Best Feature Film awards, despite its subject, which highlighted the achievements of a queen? Wasn't it even good enough for a jury award?" ProducerBandla Ganesh dubbed the awards as "Cycle Awards" taking a dig at the symbol of then rulingTelugu Desam Party.[21]
Responding to the allegations,Nara Lokesh, then IT minister and the son of thechief ministerN. Chandrababu Naidu, asked whyHyderabad-based filmmakers were being critical of the state which they were not residents of.[21] Actor-directorPosani Krishna Murali returned his Nandi Award forBest Supporting Actor (2015), condemning Lokesh's comments.[22] Chief minister Naidu said that he never expected that the awards would trigger so much controversy.[23]