Hyderabad, Dec.29 (RAHNUMA): The ‘Bathukamma Young Film Makers Challenge’, organised by the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC), concluded with a grand awards ceremony at Ravindra Bharathi on Monday, emerging as a unique platform for young filmmakers from across Telangana, including its most remote villages.
Minister for Roads & Buildings and Cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, along with Tourism, Culture and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, attended the programme as chief guests and presented awards to the winners.
Speaking on the occasion, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said the initiative was a first-of-its-kind experiment in the country, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, to encourage youth, small films and new talent in the film industry.
He noted that the enthusiastic participation from rural and interior regions reflected the immense creative potential of Telangana’s youth.
“This is not merely a competition. It is a vibrant bridge between the government and the people. Through these young filmmakers, welfare schemes and social narratives are reaching the world in a powerful and creative form,” the Minister said.
He expressed happiness over the quality of entries received from remote villages and said the platform was successfully bringing grassroots talent to the global stage. Congratulating all participants, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy extended special wishes to the winners and assured continued support from the Cinematography department.
The Minister also recalled watching films such as ‘Balagam’ and the recent ‘Dandora’, appreciating their strong social messaging and emotional depth.
He said the government is developing Telangana as a film-friendly destination, citing major infrastructure projects like the Mannanur–Srisailam elevated corridor, being built at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore, which would also serve as a major shooting location.
Under the competition, separate cash awards were presented for the Short Film and Bathukamma Video Song categories. The first prize carried Rs 3 lakh, the second Rs 2 lakh and the third Rs 1 lakh, while consolation prizes of Rs 20,000 each were also awarded.
In the Short Film category, Sarassu Gnapakalu won the first prize, followed by Sontha Illu and Atma Gouravam. Special jury awards were presented to Ela Batukalamma (Child Artist) and S/o Chukka Ramulu, directed by Sandeep D. Jenda.
In the Video Song category, Bathukamma secured the top honour, while Bathukamma Samburam and Aakasham Anchulu Daati won the second and third prizes respectively.
The programme was attended by TFDC Chairman Dil Raju, FDC Managing Director C.H. Priyanka, noted directors Harish Shankar, Tanikella Bharani and Dasarath, singer Rahul Sipligunj, artistes Sri Lakshmi, Mangli, P.G. Vinda, music director Charan Arjun, along with a large number of young filmmakers, cinema personalities and officials.
