:Nandi Awards
{{Short description|Annual award in Telugu cinema and television}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox award
|name = Nandi Awards
|current_awards = Nandi Awards of 2016
|image = NandiAwards.jpg
|caption = Swarna Nandi (The Golden Bull)
|awarded_for = Excellence in cinematic achievements for
Telugu cinema
Telugu theatre
Telugu television
|presenter = Andhra Pradesh Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation{{cite news|url=http://www.ragalahari.com/news/3238/government-announces-nandi-awards-committee-members.aspx|title=Government announces Nandi Awards committee members|publisher=Ragalahari.com|date=23 December 2007|access-date=13 October 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nandi-awards-2012-and-2013-rajamouli-ilayaraja-samantha-and-prabhas-emerge-winners-4549659/|title=Nandi Awards 2012 and 2013: Rajamouli, Ilayaraja, Samantha and Prabhas emerge winners|date=1 March 2017}}
|sponsor = Government of Andhra Pradesh
|country = India
|year = 2010
|year2 = 2016
|website = {{URL|https://www.apsftvtdc.in/nandi-awards.html|apsftvtdc.in/nandi-awards}}
|status=Active
|established=1964
|firstawarded=1964
|lastawarded=2016
}}
The Nandi Awards are annual awards presented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to recognise excellence in Telugu cinema, theatre, and television, as well as lifetime achievements in Indian cinema. The awards are named after the monolithic sculpture of the sacred bull, Nandi, at Lepakshi, a cultural and historical symbol of the Telugu 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.{{cite news |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=13 October 2012 |title=2011 Nandi Awards winners list |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/2011-Nandi-Awards-winners-list/articleshow/16797289.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627090518/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-13/news-interviews/34430644_1_sri-rama-rajyam-dookudu-jai-bolo-telangana |archive-date=27 June 2013 |access-date=13 October 2012 |work=The Times of India |agency=TNN}}{{cite news |date=11 November 2010 |title=ETV, SVBC, DD sweep Nandi awards |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/11/stories/2010111158730400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530134847/http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/11/stories/2010111158730400.htm |archive-date=30 May 2013 |access-date=13 October 2012 |work=The Hindu}}{{Nandi Awards}}
History
The Government 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 on Ugadi, 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 of Golden Nandi, Silver Nandi, Bronze Nandi, and Copper Nandi, in addition to medals, and commendation certificates.{{Cite web |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf|title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)|trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)|publisher=Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=21 August 2020 | language=Telugu}}
Selection criteria
Annually, a state panel appointed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh selects the winning entries and the Chief 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 in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, 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.{{cite news|date=12 November 2006|title=Front Page: Nandi awards for 2005 announced|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/12/stories/2006111217510100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061203043043/http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/12/stories/2006111217510100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2006|work=The Hindu|access-date=13 October 2012}}
In order to be eligible for consideration of the jury, a film should be certified by the Central 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.{{cite news|date=17 June 2004|title=Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News: Nandi Natakotsavam from June 19|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/17/stories/2004061713090300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040804010734/http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/17/stories/2004061713090300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 August 2004|work=The Hindu|access-date=13 October 2012}}
Honorary Awards – Gold
= Raghupathi Venkaiah Award =
{{Main|Raghupathi Venkaiah Award}}
The award is named after Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu, and presented annually to "an eminent film personality for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema." (since 1980).{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Raghupathi Venkaiah Awardees |url=https://www.apsftvtdc.in/raghupathi-Venkaiah-Awardees.html |access-date=3 January 2021 |website=Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television & Theatre Development Corporation}}
= NTR National Award =
{{Main|NTR National Award}}
The NTR National Award is named in the memory of former chief minister and actor N. 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).{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=N.T.R. NATIONAL FILM AWARDEES|url=https://www.apsftvtdc.in/ntr-national-film-award.html|website=APSFTVTDC|access-date=3 January 2021}}
= BN Reddy National Award =
The award is named after director B. 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 {{Indian Rupee}}2 lakh, a special memento, citation and shawl.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=B N REDDY NATIONAL FILM AWARDEES|url=https://www.apsftvtdc.in/bn-reddy-national-film-award.html|website=APSFTVTDC|access-date=3 January 2021}}
- 2008: K. B. Tilak (director and producer){{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/17/stories/2010031761470100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323003638/http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/17/stories/2010031761470100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 March 2010|title= Nandi Award for Ravi Teja, Swati |date=17 March 2010|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 March 2010}}
- 2009: K. Raghavendra Rao (film director){{cite web|author=Prakash KL|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/telugu/top-stories/2010/saroja-devi-ntr-award-071210.html|title=B Saroja .in|date=7 December 2010|access-date=28 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209101951/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/telugu/top-stories/2010/saroja-devi-ntr-award-071210.html|archive-date=9 December 2010}}
- 2011: Shyam Benegal (film director)Eenadu daily, Eeenadu Cinema, Page 10, Nandi lifetime achievement awards, retrieved, 24 March 2013.
- 2012: Singeetam Srinivasa Rao (director and producer){{cite web |date=5 April 2017 |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Hema Malini bag NTR awards |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-hema-malini-bag-ntr-awards/article17821614.ece |website=The Hindu}}
- 2013: A. Kodandarami Reddy (director)
- 2014: S. S. Rajamouli (director)
- 2015: Trivikram Srinivas (director)
- 2016: Boyapati Srinu (director)[https://www.chitramala.in/nandi-awards-winners-list-2014-2015-2016-255062.htmlNandi Awards Winners List For 2014, 2015 and 2016]{{dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
= Nagireddy–Chakrapani National Award =
Named after filmmakers, Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani, 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 {{Indian Rupee}}2 lakh, a special memento, citation and shawl.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=NAGIREDDY & CHAKRAPANI NATIONAL FILM AWARDEES|url=https://www.apsftvtdc.in/nagireddy-chakrapani-national-film-award.html|access-date=3 January 2021|website=APSFTVTDC}}
- 2008: Akkineni Ramesh Prasad – (film producer)
- 2009: Ramoji Rao – (film producer)
- 2010: M. Saravanan and Balasubramanian
- 2011: G. Adiseshagiri Rao – (film producer)
- 2012: Daggubati Suresh Babu – (film producer)
- 2013: Dil Raju – (film producer)
- 2014: R. Narayan Reddy (producer)
- 2015: M. M. Keeravani (music director)
- 2016: K. S. Rama Rao (producer){{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/13-nandi-awards-for-baahubali/articleshow/61655551.cms|title=Andhra Pradesh government announces Nandi awards for 2014–2016}}
Gold
- Best Feature Films – Gold, Silver and Bronze: since 1964
- Sarojini Devi Award for a Film on National Integration: 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: since 1977
- Best Director: since 1981
- Akkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film: since 1991
- Best Educational Film: since 1981
Copper
- Best Story Writer: since 1965
- 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 Child Actress: since 1977
- Best Screenplay Writer: since 1978
- Best First Film of a Director: since 1981
- Best Supporting Actor: since 1981
- Best Supporting Actress: since 1981
- Best Audiographer: since 1981
- Special Jury Award: since 1981
- Best Child Actor: since 1981
- Best Editor: since 1981
- Best Art Director: 1981
- Best Makeup Artist: since 1981
- Best Dialogue Writer: since 1983
- Best Male Comedian: since 1985
- Best Choreographer: since 1985
- Best Villain: since 1985
- Best Costume Designer: since 1985
- Best Character Actor: since 1994
- Best Character Actress: since 1994
- Best Book on Telugu Cinema: since 1995
- Best Film Critic on Telugu Cinema: since 1995
- Best Male Dubbing Artist: since 1997
- Best Female Dubbing Artist: since 1997
- Best Female Comedian: since 1999
- Best Fight Master: since 1999
- Best Special Effects: since 2005
Nandi Award for Best Educational Film
Since 1981, a Nandi Award for Best Educational Film has been attributed, although it was not awarded even year.{{Cite web |title=Nandi awards 2009 announced - Telugu cinema news |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2009.html |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=www.idlebrain.com}}
| class="wikitable sortable"
!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 |
Criticism and controversies
The Nandi Awards of 2014 have sparked a controversy where a few Telugu filmmakers have alleged political favouritism, casteism and negligence.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=17 November 2017|title=Nandi Awards row hits Tollywood: A lowdown on the allegations of political favours, casteism, negligence|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/nandi-awards-row-hits-tollywood-a-lowdown-on-the-allegations-of-political-favours-casteism-negligence-4214271.html|access-date=31 December 2020|website=Firstpost}}
The producer of Race 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 the Konidela–Allu family also echoed the same. Some have pointed out that the winners mainly belonged to the Kamma community.{{Cite web|last=Kavirayani|first=Suresh|date=19 November 2017|title=Nandi Awards influenced by Balakrishna?|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/191117/nandi-awards-influenced-by-balakrishna.html|access-date=31 December 2020|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}} Gunasekhar, the director of 2015 film Rudhramadevi, in an open letter to the Government of Andhra Pradesh 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 dubbed the awards as "Cycle Awards" taking a dig at the symbol of then ruling Telugu Desam Party.{{Cite web|last=Palat|first=Lakshana N.|last2=|first2=|last3=|first3=|date=23 November 2017|title=Nandi Awards 2017: Balakrishna over Baahubali Prabhas and nepotism allegations. What went wrong?|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nandi-awards-2017-nepotism-balakrishna-baahubali-prabhas-1092530-2017-11-23|access-date=31 December 2020|website=India Today|language=en}}
Responding to the allegations, Nara Lokesh, then IT minister and the son of the chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, asked why Hyderabad-based filmmakers were being critical of the state which they were not residents of. Actor-director Posani Krishna Murali returned his Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor (2015), condemning Lokesh's comments.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=22 November 2017|title=Nandi Awards: Posani Krishna Murali returns his Best Supporting Actor honour as sign of protest|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/nandi-awards-posani-krishna-murali-returns-his-best-supporting-actor-honour-as-sign-of-protest-4222775.html|access-date=31 December 2020|website=Firstpost}} Chief minister Naidu said that he never expected that the awards would trigger so much controversy.{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=20 November 2017|title=Row over Nandi awards pains CM|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/row-over-nandi-awards-pains-cm/article20606799.ece|access-date=31 December 2020|issn=0971-751X}}