Besides awards, TG govt has to revive Telangana cinema, says B Narsing Rao
Renowned filmmaker B Narsing Rao made classics like ‘Rangula Kala’, ‘Daasi’ and ‘Maa Vooru’ besides producing Gautam Ghosh’s ‘Maa Bhoomi,’ and bagged national and international honors. However, the flag-bearer of Telangana cinema is a tad worried about Telangana cinema losing its distinct identity. He has been appointed as chairman of the Gadar Cine Awards Committee. "We are framing the guidelines and eligibility criteria for prospective award winners,” he tells Deccan Chronicle in a chit-chat.
Q: After being on the national jury many a time, you are now chairman of the Gadar Cine Award Committee? When do we expect awards night?
A: We are in the initial stages and have a long way to go. After the formation of the 16-member committee, we had just one courtesy meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and it turned out well. Members get to know each other well and also understand the requirements of the government which is determined to revive the Gadar Cine Awards (previously Nandi Awards). We are happy that Telugu film talent will be honored after a long hiatus and receiving state awards is always high. Right now, we are discussing and working out the guidelines on various eligibility criteria for prospective winners. More meetings are awaited so award night will take some time. However, we will be closely working with officials of Telangana State Film Development Corporation to make awards night possible every year from now.
Q: You have been the flag bearer of Telangana cinema for decades and do you think Telangana identity needs to be protected?
A; Definitely because we lost our distinct identity and culture to mainstream Telugu cinema. Of course, many top producers and directors born in Telangana are doing well in the Telugu film industry along with technicians and cine workers in varied crafts. However, many like me would want to revive Telangana-centric movies since our attire, food, culture, dialect, and even environment have their specialty. I have also urged the Telangana government to help out Telangana makers to thrive on their own. Like Marathi cinema, shining on its own, despite being overshadowed by Bollywood. The Telangana government has to come up with a concrete blueprint and execute it with a lot of commitment since it has been 10 years since the Telangana state became a reality, while our cinema has lost its way.
Q: The recent film ‘Balagam’ showcased Telangana culture very well.
A: ‘Balagam’ was an exception yet it closely reflected our culture and it did well. Fortunately, it was produced by Dil Raju who hails from our region. We are not here to differentiate between Andhra and Telangana makers since we wish everyone who comes to the region to succeed and flourish. However, we wish to bring back the glory of Telangana cinema and the new generation should know about our distinct and enriching culture and our lifestyles. Films are the best medium to deliver our cultural feats and glory.
Q: Why Malayalam cinema is ruling the roost with content-rich movies? While Tollywood is lagging? Will you make a film now?
A: Malayalam cinema has gone in for a big transformation from semi-porn movies to path-breaking and thought-provoking movies in the last few decades, In fact, they even replaced Bengali cinema which was considered the best for niche cinema. Malayalam makers are exploring deep into the human psyche and bringing out various facets to rule the roost even on OTT too. No doubt, some Tamil and Kannada makers are coming up with unique and pathetic breaking stuff. While Telugu mainstream cinema is mostly star-centric and caters to the masses. We wish intelligent and thinking movies to increase to match up with others. I may not direct a feature film, but I would consider doing something unique for digital space.