Looks like the Tollywood actor and filmmaker Nagarjuna has finally decided to put an end to all the controversies about his film Manam not being selected for the coveted Nandi Awards by the Andhra Pradesh state Government.
Every year, the Andhra government gives away the Nandi Award for best film, director, producer etc. However, with the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Andhra and Telangana, the awards for the year 2014, 2015 and 2016 were announced recently, raking up a lot of controversies.
While Manam was the hot favourite to win the award for being a commercial as well as a critical success, apart from the fact that it featured the three generations of the Akkineni family – Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya and Akhil Akkineni – the Balakrishna starrer Legend went on to sweep the awards.
Nagarjuna, who had maintained a staunch silence over his film not winning the awards, chose to put an end to all controversies with the teaser of his son Akhil Akkineni’s upcoming release Hello.
The teaser began with the words: “From the makers of Manam - To which you awarded your hearts.” Well, with this, the actor chose to make it clear that his fans’ reactions are more important to him than the awards.
Last month, several Telugu film personalities spoke out about nepotism and bias in the jury for the Nandi Awards.
Telugu film director Gunasekhar, took to Twitter to publish an open letter addressed to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, which faulted the jury for not giving his movie, Rudramadevi, due recognition.
Racegurram producer Nallamalupu Bujji also alleged that there was nepotism in the way the awardees were selected.
Hello, directed by Vikram Kumar, is touted to be Christmas release and the filmmakers are gearing up for it.