Basking in National Glory

Allu Arjun (aka Bunny), has become the first from the Telugu industry to receive a National Award in the category of ‘Best Male Actor’ The industry has produced stalwarts and legends like NTR, ANR, Krishna, SV Ranga Rao, Sobhan Babu, Chittor V. Nagaiah and Chiranjeevi over the last eight decades. However, none of them could put a Telugu film’s name among the National Awardees. The actor thanked his family, filmmakers and fans for their unconditional love and support while celebrating with his Pushpa team.  

‘12-year wait ends’

Lyricist Chandrabose had won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for the Naatu Naatu song from the film RRR earlier this year. Everyone thought the song would fetch him a National Award too. Well, he did win the Best Lyricis award, but not for Naatu Naatu – he got it for Dham Dham Dham from the film Konda Polam, directed by Krish. This is his first National Award – it took 12 years for his dream of winning one to come true. “Popularity is not the only parameter considered while giving an award. There are other elements like
the message in the song, lyrical value and how it drives change, Chandrabose said, adding that the Konda Polam song had great lyrical value while highlighting the importance of protecting nature.

‘GOOD CINEMA IS ALWAYS A WINNER’

RRR producer D. V. V. Danayya is overjoyed that a Telugu film has won six National Awards in various categories. He says it shows that “good cinema is always a winner” and attributes the achievement to great team work. “I am thrilled. Audiences have heaped praise on our film, and now these awards prove that the film has great content,” he says. “Kudos to Rajamouli garu and the entire team. No matter how meticulously we planned, some things were not in our control; yet, we weathered everything and came out with flying colours,” Danayya says.

 “I think the award for such a song is much needed; it tells the present generation the importance of the environment,” he asserts.
The lyricist shares that the song was written during the pandemic. It was influenced by childhood memories, personal experiences and the stories of others. “I took five days to write the song and my team of technicians too did a fabulous job,” he says.

Interestingly, the film Konda Polam did not fare well at the box office, but won acclaim for its artistic merits. “Sometimes even great films don’t get the recognition they deserve. The values this film communicates are insightful,” he adds.

‘Global effort’

For ace Vfx artiste Vadlamudi Srinivas Mohan, whose work in RRR was adjudged the Best Special Effects, this is the fifth National Award (after Magic Magic, Sivaji, Enthiran and Baahubali: The Beginning). Mohan was in a meeting with the makers of his upcoming film when the awards were announced. “My mobile phone was flooded with congratulatory messages. And I started getting calls non-stop. Director Rajamouli called and congratulated me. It was overwhelming,” says Mohan. He says the coveted recognition helps boosts spirits during times when one is low.

Mohan coordinated with 18 studios across the world, leading a 700-member team for over three-and-a-half years. “It’s a team effort; it just goes to show that collaborative efforts can yield rich dividends. It was challenging to design the Vfx for some of the iconic scenes in RRR, especially the bridge collapse scene and the interval scene. But everyone from different counties chipped in and brought out a quality product,” he explains, expressing happiness over the growing importance of Vfx in Indian films

‘Icing on the cake’

Choreographer Prem Rakshith became globally renowned after his song Naatu Naatu won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. But he feels winning a National Award is special.  “It’s truly an emotional moment,” he says, and describes it as the icing on the cake.

Prem was in Bhopal for a film shooting and was busy choreographing dance moves when he heard his mobile phone ringing non-stop. “I decided I would take the calls only after I packed up,” he says, adding that he learnt he’d won the National Award for RRR only when he finally got to see the messages and answer the calls.

“Rajamouli Sir’s vision was the base; I ensured that the choreography complemented the peppy lyrics (written by Chandrabose) and tunes (composed by MM Keeravani). So without them this award would not have been possible,” says Prem.

“Working for RRR was a very nerve-wracking experience. I had never spent so much time on any song or a film in my entire career. I want to thank the jury members as I believe the awards will go a long way in giving us the required push to strive for excellence time and again,” he adds.

‘Very fulfilling’

Devi Sri Prasad, popularly known as DSP, won his first National Award for ‘Best Music Director’ for the film Pushpa —The Rise. Directed by Sukumar, the songs in the Allu Arjun-starrer have become a rage nationwide.

Sharing his happiness on receiving the award, the composer says, “I am truly honoured to receive this award for Pushpa. I can say that composing tunes for the film was both challenging and fulfilling. I am glad that the audience lapped up my music, and winning the National Award is a great feeling.”

‘A validation’

Producer Ravi Shankar is thrilled that the Telugu film industry has fared so well at the 69th National Awards. He is elated that films like Pushpa and Uppena which his production house had bankrolled got National Awards. “We are always experimenting, backing talent, and go to any extent for the sake of the script. These awards are a validation of our beliefs and thought processes,” he emphasises.  

“Telugu films have proved that they are money spinners at the box office across the country. These National Awards will make us filmmakers more responsible, going forward,” Ravi says, thanking his team members.

Lyricist Chandrabose had won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for the Naatu Naatu song from the film RRR earlier this year. Everyone thought the song would fetch him a National Award too. Well, he did win the Best Lyricist award, but not for Naatu Naatu – he got it for Dham Dham Dham from the film Konda Polam, directed by Krish. This is his first National Award – it took 12 years for his dream of winning one to come true. “Popularity is not the only parameter considered while giving an award. There are other elements like the message in the song, lyrical value and how it drives change, Chandrabose said, adding that the Konda Polam song had great lyrical value while highlighting the importance of protecting nature.