C/O Kancharapalem wins right to apply for National Awards after KTR’s appeal

The makers C/O

Kancharapalem

certainly couldn’t have hoped for a better gift this Sankranti. The Telugu film, which was deemed ineligible to be considered for National Awards because it was produced by Praveena Paruchuri, an American citizen, has been now been allowed to apply for the awards. On Saturday, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore declared that the film will be allowed to compete not just for the National Awards, but also at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
“Dear @KTRTRS ji, my off’r has spoken to @paruchurimd. These are NATIONAL FILM AWARDS & require producer or at least one co-producer to b Indian. My off’r has guided @Paruchurimd on the possibility of her application for same. She can also apply f0r Int competition section IFFI 2019 (sic),” Rajyavardhan Rathore tweeted, responding to TRS Working President KT Rama Rao, who implored the I&B Ministry to reconsider the path-breaking film’s candidature for National Awards.

On Saturday, the TRS working president had appealed to Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Rajyavardhan Rathore, sharing a Hyderabad Times article which highlighted Tollywood filmmakers’ dissent regarding the archaic rules for film submission for the National Awards. Producer Praveena Paruchuri, who has been fighting on social media for the inclusion of C/O Kancharapalem for National Awards 2018, is overjoyed. “I’m delighted with the expedient response of KTR sir and Rathore sir. We need more proactive politicians like them to do justice to the talent of creators. This isn’t a victory for my film alone, but for all Indian-origin producers who wish to give something back to their country. I hope we will continue to have discussions about permanently amending this archaic rule,” shared Praveena, speaking to Hyderabad Times.

The first time producer is thrilled that the film has been given a chance to represent Telugu cinema at the national level. “The film may or may not stand a chance to win a National Award, but our fight was for an opportunity to compete. The beauty of C/O Kancharapalem lies in its universality, it’s a heartwarming tale of humanity and love and mirrors the secular ethos of India. Though set in a suburb of Visakhapatnam, it’s a story that has struck a chord not just with Telugus but at international film festivals as well. With its nomination into the National Awards, we can take the story to many more people. This isn’t merely about an award or two, it’s a Telugu film that we can proudly show people,” adds Praveena.

Director Venkatesh Maha is equally thrilled and thanked people from the film industry, as well as members from the audience for standing up for the film. While most critics and industry insiders reckon that the film stands a good chance of winning the National Award, the filmmaker is just glad that his debut film has got the chance to be considered worthy for the coveted honour. “I wish to thank everyone for their love and support. It really means a lot, whether we win the award or not is another matter altogether,” he beams.

With C/O Kancharapalem now receiving the green signal from the I&B Ministry, it remains to be seen if it can go ahead and win the award.

– Inputs Srivathsan.Nadadhur@timesgroup.com