In a move welcomed by the Telugu film fraternity, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced plans to revive the prestigious Nandi Awards, once considered the highest honor for excellence in Telugu cinema. Addressing the media, AP Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh confirmed that the government is working on a comprehensive film development policy aimed at transforming the State into a thriving hub for cinema. Under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the State will soon roll out infrastructural upgrades including film studios, dubbing and re-recording theatres, and other key facilities.
“While Andhra Pradesh has become a frequent location for film shoots, we lack proper infrastructure. The new film policy aims to fix this and make Visakhapatnam a new hub for Telugu cinema, on par with Hyderabad,” said Minister Durgesh. He also emphasized the State’s commitment to relaunch the Nandi Awards, noting that a dedicated meeting involving actors, filmmakers, producers, and technicians will be convened to finalize the roadmap.
The Nandi Awards, established in 1964, have historically recognized excellence in acting, direction, music, and technical achievement in Telugu cinema. However, after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014, the awards were discontinued due to administrative complications and political transitions. Since then, they have remained exclusive to Andhra Pradesh, while Telangana has yet to formalize an equivalent system. In 2024, Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy had proposed the introduction of ‘Gaddar Awards’, but no concrete steps have followed.
The Andhra Pradesh government's renewed focus on the awards signals a serious effort to re-establish its leadership in Telugu cinema promotion. The development has been well-received by artists and technicians who have long demanded a stable recognition platform from the State. As the entertainment industry continues to expand, especially with the rise of OTT platforms and pan-India content, Andhra Pradesh's proactive approach could boost regional cinema’s infrastructure and morale while rekindling the rich legacy of the Nandi Awards.
