Nandi Awards: AP Government Set to Bring Back the Prestigious Awards
Andhra Pradesh Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh revealed on Sunday that the state government is preparing new initiatives to support the growth of Telugu cinema. “We fully understand the unique cultural and geographical identity of post-bifurcation Andhra Pradesh,” he stated.
Highlighting the state’s scenic beauty and biodiversity, the Minister noted that while many films are shot in AP, the region still lacks the necessary cinematic infrastructure. To address this, the government—under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan—is working on a comprehensive film policy. This policy aims to establish film studios, dubbing and re-recording theatres, and other essential facilities to boost the film industry in the state.
Durgesh also emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of the Telugu film community. “Visakhapatnam will soon be developed into a major film hub, equipped with all the infrastructure similar to Hyderabad,” he said. He added that the government is determined to reinstate the iconic Nandi Awards and support the Telugu film industry’s advancement. As part of this initiative, a detailed discussion involving actors, directors, producers, and other industry stakeholders will be conducted to finalize a plan of action.
Nandi Awards: AP Government Set to Bring Back the Prestigious Awards
The revival of the Nandi Awards, a long-awaited move, is seen as a significant step forward. Once regarded as the top honor for artistic and technical excellence in Telugu cinema. The awards lost momentum following the 2014 bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, hindered by political disputes and delays.
Since the division, the Nandi Awards have been under the purview of the Andhra Pradesh government, while Telangana was expected to launch its own recognition platform. In 2024, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced the launch of the ‘Gaddar Awards’ to honor talent in Telugu cinema, theatre, and television. However, a formal structure for the initiative has not yet been introduced. Despite announcements from both Telugu-speaking states, concrete progress remains slow.