The winners of the 71st National Film Awards were revealed at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on Friday, honoring films released in 2023 as certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Telugu cinema had a notable presence at the ceremony, securing seven prestigious awards, showcasing its critical and commercial triumphs.
Acclaimed producer Dil Raju expressed his joy over “Balagam” winning the Best Lyricist award. He stated that receiving a National Award is a rare and special honor, particularly for the touching song “Ooru Palleturu” penned by lyricist Kasarla Shyam. Raju reminisced about the grassroots efforts that connected the film with audiences, including free screenings in various villages in Telangana, contributing to its wider recognition.
Reflecting on the significance of the awards, Raju shared, “I never expect awards—they should come naturally. But this time, I’m truly elated. ‘Balagam’ was a small film with a big heart.” He has previously received National Awards for socially themed films, adding to his legacy in promoting impactful storytelling.
The awards for Telugu cinema this year included:
– Best Telugu Feature Film: “Bhagavanth Kesari” (Produced by Sahu Garapati, featuring Nandamuri Balakrishna)
– Best Action Direction and Best Film in AVGC: “Hanu-Man” (Directed by Prashanth Varma)
– Best Lyricist: Kasarla Shyam for “Ooru Palleturu” from “Balagam”
– Best Screenplay: Sai Rajesh for “Baby” (Shared with Tamil film “Parking”)
– Best Male Playback Singer: PVNS Rohit for “Premisthunna” from “Baby”
– Best Child Artist: Sukriti Veni Bandreddi for “Gandhi Thatha Chetu”
Former national jury member Raj Kandukuri highlighted the diversity of genres represented among the winners, stating that each film—”Bhagavanth Kesari,” “Hanu-Man,” “Balagam,” and “Baby”—offered distinct storytelling and treatment. He noted that it’s rare for commercially successful films to win National Awards and emphasized that this year marks a double victory for Telugu cinema, earning critical acclaim alongside box office success.
Kandukuri also reflected on the previous year’s landmark win for Allu Arjun, who received Best Actor for “Pushpa,” ending a long gap for Telugu heroes at the National Awards. This historic achievement underscored the growing respect and recognition for Telugu films on a national scale.
This year’s National Film Awards further affirm the rich storytelling and cultural resonance of Telugu cinema. As the industry continues to evolve and shine both at home and abroad, audiences can look forward to more groundbreaking films that capture hearts and imaginations.