The Nandi Awards are the awards that recognise the excellence in

Telugu cinema Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu cinema is based in Film Nagar, Hy ...

Telugu theatre Telugu theatre is Indian theatre in the Telugu language, based in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Gurajada Apparao wrote the play, ''Kanyasulkam'' in 1892, which is often considered the greatest play in the Telugu language.20th Cent ...

and Telugu television, and Lifetime achievements in

Indian cinema The Cinema of India consists of motion pictures produced in India, which had a large effect on world cinema since the late 20th century. Major centers of film production across the country include Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Ko ...

. Presented annually by the

Government of Andhra Pradesh Government of Andhra Pradesh, abbreviated as, GOAP, or, Andhra Government, is the Subnational administrative division, subnational government for the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is an elected government with 175 Member of the Legislative ...

, the award is named after the big granite bull at

Lepakshi Lepakshi is a village in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located east of Hindupur and approximately west of Kadiri and north of Bangalore Bangalore (), officially Bengaluru (), is the capital and largest ...

— a cultural and historical symbol of the

Telugu people Telugu people ( te, తెలుగువారు, Teluguvāru), or Telugus, or Telugu vaaru, are the largest of the four major Dravidian ethnolinguistic groups in terms of population. Telugus are native to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh ...

. Nandi Awards are presented in four categories: Gold (Swarnam), Silver (Rajatam), Bronze (Kamsyam), and Copper (Raagi). A variant, the Nandi Natakotsavam Awards for Theatre, is also given every year by the government for social, mythological and poetic dramas.

History

The

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 on the

Ugadi Ugadi or Yugadi, also known as Samvatsarādi (), is New Year's Day according to the Hindu calendar and is celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka in India. It is festively observed in these regions on the first ...

, 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 are 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 of ''Golden Nandi'', ''Silver Nandi'', ''Bronze Nandi'', and ''Copper Nandi'', in addition to medals, commendation certificates.

Selection criteria

Annually, a state panel appointed by the

selects the winning entry and the

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh is the chief executive of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. In accordance with the Constitution of India, the governor is a state's ''de jure'' head, but ''de facto'' executive authority rests with the chi ...

presents the awards in the award ceremony. A list of rules is presented every year in a document of regulations. The criteria for eligibility contains many clauses. Among them, there is a direct requirement that the film, and particularly films entering the competition, should be produced in

Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (, abbr. AP) is a state in the south-eastern coastal region of India. It is the seventh-largest state by area covering an area of and tenth-most populous state with 49,386,799 inhabitants. It is bordered by Telangana to the ...

and

Telangana Telangana (; , ) is a States and union territories of India, state in India situated on the south-central stretch of the Indian subcontinent, Indian peninsula on the high Deccan Plateau. It is the List of states and union territories of India b ...

, 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. According to the criteria, in order to be eligible for consideration of the jury, a film should be certified by the

Central Board of Film Certification The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory film-certification body in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India. It is tasked with "regulating the public exhibition of films under the provision ...

between 1 January and 31 December. The Government do not have influence over which films are selected for consideration and which films ultimately win awards. However, there are strict criteria which are being scrutinised by the government as to whether a film is eligible for consideration by the jury panels.

Honorary Awards – Gold

Raghupathi Venkaiah Award

The award is named after

Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu (15 October 1869 – 15 March 1941), was an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, director, graphic artist, lyricist, author, educationist and entrepreneur considered as the father of Telugu cinema. Regarded as one of the pio ...

, and presented annually to "an eminent film personality for his outstanding contribution to

." (since 1980).

NTR National Award

The NTR National Award is named in the memory of former chief minister and actor

N. T. Rama Rao Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (28 May 1923 – 18 January 1996), often referred to by his initials NTR, was an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who served as List of Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh fo ...

, and is presented to "an eminent film personality every year for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema." (since 1996).

BN Reddy National Award

The award is named after director

B. N. Reddy Bommireddy Narasimha Reddy (16 November 1908 – 8 November 1977), professionally known as B. N. Reddy, was an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He was an early figure in the Telugu cinema. Many of his earlier films like ''Vand ...

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 2

lakh A lakh (; abbreviated L; sometimes written lac) is a unit in the Indian numbering system equal to one hundred thousand (100,000; scientific notation: 105). In the Indian 2,2,3 convention of digit grouping, it is written as 1,00,000. For ex ...

, a special memento, citation and shawl. * 2008:

K. B. Tilak Korlipara Balagangadhara Tilak (14 January 1926 – 23 September 2010), popularly known as K. B. Tilak, was an Indian independence movement, Indian independence activist, film director and producer. Early life He was born at Denduluru in West ...

(director and producer) * 2009:

K. Raghavendra Rao Kovelamudi Raghavendra Rao (born 23 May 1942) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema besides having directed a few Hindi films. He has garnered four state Nandi Awards and fiv ...

(film director) * 2011:

Shyam Benegal Shyam Benegal (born 14 December 1934) is an Indian film director, screenwriter and documentary filmmaker. Often regarded as the pioneer of parallel cinema, he is widely considered as one of the greatest filmmakers post 1970s. He has received ...

(film director)

Eenadu ''Eenadu'' () is the largest circulated Telugu-language daily newspaper of India sold mostly in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Singeetam Srinivasa Rao (born 21 September 1931), commonly known as Singeetam, is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, composer, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the most versatile directors of India. He is credited with hav ...

(director and producer) * 2013:

A. Kodandarami Reddy A. Kodandarami Reddy (born 1 July 1950) is an Indian film director best known for his works in Telugu cinema. His association with Chiranjeevi created blockbusters in multiple genres such as ''Nyayam Kavali'' (1981), ''Khaidi (1983 film), Khaidi ...

(director) * 2014:

S. S. Rajamouli Koduri Srisaila Sri Rajamouli ( ; born 10 October 1973) is an Indian film director and screenwriter who primarily works in Telugu cinema. He is the highest paid director in India, and is known for his action, fantasy, and epic genre films. T ...

(director) * 2015:

Trivikram Srinivas Trivikram Srinivas (born Akella Naga Srinivasa Sarma; 7 November 1971), often credited as Trivikram, is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in Telugu cinema. In 2021, he became one of the highest-paid directors in Cinema of South ...

(director) * 2016:

Boyapati Srinu Boyapati Srinivas, commonly known as Boyapati Srinu or Boyapati Sreenu, is an Indian film director and screenwriter. Best known for directing mass action films in Telugu cinema, Boyapati has garnered two state Nandi Awards. Early life Boyapat ...

(director)

Nagireddy–Chakrapani National Award

Named after filmmakers,

Nagi Reddi Bommireddy Nagi Reddi (2 December 1912 – 25 February 2004) was an Indian film producer and director mainly in Telugu cinema. He set up Vijaya Vauhini Studios in Chennai, which was then Asia's biggest film studio. As his elder brother (who was ...

and

Chakrapani Chakrapani may refer to: People with the surname * Aluri Chakrapani (1908–1975), Indian film multilingual writer, producer and director * Chuck Chakrapani, Indian research methodologist, educator, and author * M. G. Chakrapani (1911–1986), I ...

, 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 the Indian Cinema every year." The awardee receives a cash price of 2

, a special memento, citation and shawl. * 2008:

Akkineni Ramesh Prasad Akkineni Ramesh Prasad (born Akkineni Ramesh Prasada Rao) is an Indian businessman, film producer, chairman and Head And Md of Prasad Studios, Prasads IMAX and L V Prasad Eye Institute founded by his father L. V. Prasad. Prasad has served as th ...

– (film producer) * 2009:

Ramoji Rao Cherukuri Ramoji Rao (born 16 November 1936) is an Indian businessman, media entrepreneur, and film producer. He is head of the Ramoji Group which owns the world's largest film production facility Ramoji Film City, ''Eenadu'' newspaper, ETV Netw ...

– (film producer) * 2010: M. Saravanan and Balasubramanian * 2011: G. Adiseshagiri Rao – (film producer) * 2012:

Daggubati Suresh Babu Daggubati Suresh Babu (born 24 December 1958) is an Indian film producer, studio owner and distributor who serves as the managing director of Suresh Productions. In 2012, he received the Andhra Pradesh state Nagireddy–Chakrapani National Awar ...

– (film producer) * 2013:

Dil Raju Velamakucha Venkata Ramana Reddy (born 17 December 1970), known professionally as Dil Raju, is an Indian film producer and distributor known for his works in Telugu cinema. He has also financed some Tamil and Hindi films and owns the production ...

– (film producer) * 2014: R. Narayan Reddy (producer) * 2015: M. M. Keeravani (music director) * 2016: K. S. Rama Rao (producer)

Gold

* Best Feature Films – Gold, Silver and Bronze: since 1964 *

Sarojini Devi Award for a Film on National Integration The Nandi Award for Sarojini Award Film on National Integration was commissioned in 1983: Winners See also * Cinema of Andhra Pradesh Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of ...

: since 1983 * Best Children Films – Gold and Silver: since 1978 * Best Documentary Films – Gold and Silver: since 1968 * Best Popular Feature Film: since 2005

Silver

* Best Actor: since 1977 *

Best Actress Best Actress is the name of an award which is presented by various film, television and theatre organisations, festivals, and people's awards to leading actresses in a film, television series, television film or play. The first Best Actress awar ...

: since 1977 *

Best Director Best Director is the name of an award which is presented by various film, television and theatre organizations, festivals, and people's awards. It may refer to: Film awards * AACTA Award for Best Direction * Academy Award for Best Director * BA ...

: since 1981 * Akkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film: since 1991 * Best Educational Film: since 1981

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 Screenplay Writer: since 1978 * Best Lyricist: since 1977 * Best Story Writer: since 1965

Since 1981

* Best Supporting Actor: since 1981 * Best Supporting Actress: since 1981 * Best Audiographer: since 1981

Since 1985

* Best First Film of a Director: since 1981 * Best Character Actor: since 1994 * Best Character Actress: since 1994 * Best Male Comedian: since 1985 * Best Female Comedian: since 1999 * Best Dialogue Writer: since 1983 * Best Choreographer: since 1985 * Special Jury Award: since 1981

Others

* Best Male Dubbing Artist: since 1997 * Best Female Dubbing Artist: since 1997 * Best Book on Telugu Cinema: since 1995 *

Best Villain Best or The Best may refer to: People * Best (surname), people with the surname Best * Best (footballer, born 1968), retired Portuguese footballer Companies and organizations * Best & Co., an 1879–1971 clothing chain * Best Lock Corporation ...

: since 1985 * Best Child Actor: since 1981 * Best Child Actress: since 1977 * Best Editor: since 1981 * Best Art Director: 1981 * Best Makeup Artist: since 1981 *

Best Costume Designer Best or The Best may refer to: People * Best (surname), people with the surname Best * Best (footballer, born 1968), retired Portuguese footballer Companies and organizations * Best & Co., an 1879–1971 clothing chain * Best Lock Corporation, ...

: since 1985 * Best Fight Master: since 1999 * Best Film Critic on Telugu Cinema: since 1995 * Best Special Effects: since 2005

Criticism and controversies

The Nandi Awards of 2014 have sparked a controversy where a few Telugu filmmakers have alleged political favouritism, casteism and negligence. The producer of ''

Race Gurram ''Race Gurram'' () is a 2014 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film directed by Surender Reddy and produced by Nallamalupu Srinivas under his banner Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Productions. The film stars Allu Arjun and Shruti Haasan while Shaa ...

'' (2014),

Nallamalupu Bujji Nallamalupu Bujji is an Indian film producer in Telugu cinema. In 2001, he ventured into film production under his production company, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Productions.He won two Nandi Awards. Filmography As Producer Awards ; Nandi Awa ...

felt that his film was ignored despite being "the biggest hit of 2014" as they did not indulge in lobbying.

Bunny Vasu Udaya Srinivas Gavara, popularly known as Bunny Vasu, is an Indian film producer who produces Telugu films. He is a partner of GA2 Pictures, a production company which he co-founded with Allu Aravind. His films have included ''Bhale Bhale Magad ...

, a close associate of the

Allu–Konidela family Allu–Konidela family is a prominent Indian show business family known for their work in Telugu cinema, with atleast 3 generations of the family involved in films, business ventures, and politics. Prominent heads of the family are comic actor A ...

also echoed the same. Some have pointed out that the winners mainly belonged to the

Kamma Kamma may refer to: *Kamma (caste), a caste or social group found largely in Southern India *Kamma, India, village in Punjab, India *The Pali and Ardhamagadhi term for karma *Bava Kamma, a traditional Jewish civil law procedure (1st volume of Nezi ...

community.

Gunasekhar Gunasekar (born 2 June 1964) is an Indian film director and screenwriter known for his works in Telugu cinema. He has directed films in action, romance, mythological, and historical drama genres. He has won a National Film Award, multiple Nand ...

, the director of 2015 film ''Rudhramadevi'', in an open letter to the

wrote: "Why wasn't ''Rudhramadevi'' 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?" Producer

Bandla Ganesh Bandla Ganesh, also known as Ganesh (born 10 March 1973), is an Indian actor, and film producer of Telugu cinema. In 2009, he ventured into film production with the film, '' Anjaneyulu'' under his production company, Parameswara Art Production ...

dubbed the awards as "Cycle Awards" taking a dig at the symbol of then ruling

Telugu Desam Party The Telugu Desam Party (; TDP) is an Indian regional political party operating in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at the state and central level. Since its founding by N. T. Rama Rao (often referred to as NTR) on 29 March 1982, the party has foc ...

. Responding to the allegations,

Nara Lokesh Nara Lokesh (born 23 January 1983) is an Indian politician. He is the son of former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Bhuvaneshwari, and grandson of N. T. Rama Rao. Lokesh becam ...

, then IT minister and the son of the

chief minister A chief minister is an elected or appointed head of government of – in most instances – a sub-national entity, for instance an administrative subdivision or federal constituent entity. Examples include a state (and sometimes a union terri ...

N. Chandrababu Naidu, asked why

Hyderabad Hyderabad ( ; , ) is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana and the ''de jure'' capital of Andhra Pradesh. It occupies on the Deccan Plateau along the banks of the Musi River (India), Musi River, in the northern part ...

-based filmmakers were being critical of the state which they were not residents of. Actor-director

Posani Krishna Murali Posani Krishna Murali (born 22 January 1958) is an Indian screenwriter, actor, director and producer who primarily works in Telugu cinema. He worked as a writer for over 150 Telugu films and directed a number of films. In 2009, he also conte ...

returned his Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor (2015), condemning Lokesh's comments. Chief minister Naidu said that he never expected that the awards would trigger so much controversy.

References

{{NTR National Award Telugu cinema Entertainment in India Awards established in 1964 Nandi Award winners Indian film awards 1964 establishments in Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh awards