Karthikeya 2 poster (Photo by arrangement)
Even though 30-odd Telugu films were sent for the 70th National Awards, the only Telugu film to bag the Best Feature Film (Telugu) is the socio-fantasy film “Karthikeya 2’. “I am on cloud nine,” says producer Abhishek Agarwal, who made ‘Karthikeya 2. “I am thankful to the national jury for this coveted award. I am also thankful for the blessings of my grandfather and grandmother and dedicate this award to them. No doubt, Lord Krishna has been with us throughout the making of this socio-fantasy which revolved around doctor Karthikeya, who is on a quest to find the lost anklet of Lord Krishna and it worked wonders,’ he adds.
Other Telugu films which were finally shortlisted included Adivi Sesh’s ‘Major’, Dulquer Salmaan’s ‘Sita Ramam’, Viswak Sen’s ‘Ashoka Vanam Lo Arjuna Kalyanam’ and Rana Daggupati’s ‘Virataparavam’ since national jury wanted just five films from Telugu out of 30 odd movies. “They wanted to promote and encourage films that boast of national integration and ‘Indianism’ and they weren’t keen on routine commercial movies which dented chances of few Telugu films. No doubt, 'Karthikeya 2' was a commercial blockbuster and also won critical acclaim for director Chandoo Mondeti's narration and was an ode to Lord Krishna and his great preachings," says another director.
There were six regional juries of five members each and they had to recommend five good films from their respective languages finally, the 11-member national jury shortlisted the final winners. "Telugu filmmakers are a tad disappointed this year. However, in 2023, the Best Actor award was won by Allu Arjun for Pushpa The Rise. The action-adventure brought cheers to the industry and Allu Arjun broke a decades jinx by bagging a national award for best actor from Telugu and revived interest in Telugu films,” he concludes.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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