In a major disappointment to movie buffs, Telugu film Care of Kancharapalem has been rejected from getting nominated for the National Awards, because it was produced by Praveena Paruchuri, a US citizen of Indian origin. The film had received critical acclaim when it was released last year.
Taking to Twitter, Praveena said, "SO SORRY @venkateshmaha25 #CareOfKancharapalem , your hard work and talent is NOT ELIGIBLE to be recognized at the #indiannationalfilmawards because it was Produced by me- a US citizen although of Indian origin ...I failed you (sic)."
SO SORRY @venkateshmaha25 #CareOfKancharapalem , your hard work and talent is NOT ELIGIBLE to be recognized at the #indiannationalfilmawards because it was Produced by me- a US citizen although of Indian origin ...I failed you
— paruchurimd (@paruchurimd) January 9, 2019
Responding to the message, director Maha Venkatesh tweeted, "It’s not you @paruchurimd, it’s the outdated rules and regulations of our country. I don’t understand why an Indian film, made by an Indian director, in India, acted by Indians and for Indian audience is not eligible for Indian National Awards (sic)." He also tagged the Directorate of Film Festivals and said that it was 'time for change.'
It’s not you @paruchurimd, it’s the outdated rules and regulations of our country. I don’t understand why an Indian film, made by an Indian director, in India, acted by Indians and for Indian audience is not eligible for Indian National Awards. @DFF_India time for change. https://t.co/5xdD9PFjzk
— Venkatesh Maha (@venkateshmaha25) January 9, 2019
Many fans expressed their disappointment over the film being ineligible and pointed out to the producer that they had already won the hearts of the people, even if they were not eligible for the award.
"Awards don't matter ma'am we r given great unforgettable gift for all and all audience are received like that. Now I proudly say my name as kancharapalem kishore Thanqq very much to produce this film," Kishore Polimera, one of the actors who starred in the film, said in response.
"Thank you Kishore. But, authentic , undiscovered talent like yours and everyone in #CareOfKancharapalem deserves to be recognized at the national and international level. That’s why I made my first film in Telugu, in India. This rule is not fair and I am very disappointed (sic)," Praveena tweeted in response.
The plot of the story, which had received much praise during its release, revolves around the intimate portrayal of small-town life and its many facets. Critics lauded the film for its realistic storyline and characterisation, besides also addressing issues to do with gender, caste, religion and community.