Nandi Awards revival: What AP's film industry lost and what it can Regain

The long wait for the prestigious Nandi Awards is drawing near its end. The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a plan to conduct the long-delayed Film and TV Awards for the years 2012 to 2025. Though it is seen as the return of a prestigious award ceremony, its meaning runs deeper for Andhra Pradesh’s film and media industries.

Over a decade Telugu cinema continued to grow without one of its most recognised institutional platforms. The Nandi Awards were not just about trophies. They gave official recognition to actors, directors, writers, technicians, musicians and television professionals whose contributions shaped the industry. Their absence meant that an important annual tradition of acknowledging creative excellence disappeared.

The decision to revive the awards has been under discussion for some time. In February 2025, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked officials to work towards restarting the Nandi Awards as part of broader cultural and tourism plans. Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh has since spoken repeatedly about bringing back both the Nandi Awards and Nandi Natakotsavam. By August, the government suggested that the revival process was underway, with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s views being taken into account. In March 2026, Megastar Chiranjeevi publicly appealed to Naidu to revive the awards.

Now, the proposal has moved from mere announcements to execution. Awards covering 2012–2016 stand to be presented in Vijayawada in November 2026, while those for 2017–2025 are also expected to be announced in November with ceremonies planned for December. Film awards are to be held around Amaravati and Vijayawada, while television awards are planned in Tirupati.

A decade of cinema without the Nandi platform

The years covered by the proposed awards represent a fascinating period in Telugu cinema. During this time the industry saw the rise of pan-India filmmaking, significant technological change, an increase in digital platforms and a transformation in audience viewing habits.

Telugu cinema transitioned from being solely regionally focussed to becoming a major force not just in India, but overseas. Filmmakers, actors and technicians from the Telugu industry are now getting wider national and international recognition.

Yet, there was no Nandi platform to collectively document these achievements. The revival now gives an opportunity to look back at this entire period and acknowledge the films and individuals who contributed to Telugu cinema’s transformation.

Recognising the people behind cinema

One of the most important aspects of the Nandi Awards has always been the recognition of different crafts. Cinema is not just about actors and directors. The contributions of writers, cinematographers, editors, composers, sound designers, art directors, costume designers, make-up artists and numerous other technicians also run deep.

A revived award system can once again help bring these contributions into the limelight. For many technicians, such recognition can become an important aspect of their professional legacy. It can also serve as a reminder to audiences that commercial success is not the only indication of a film’s impact. The creative and technical achievements of a film also deserve space.

More than an award ceremony

The return of the Nandi Awards can also become a part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader effort in improving its film and media ecosystem. Awards alone cannot create a thriving industry but they can complement the creation of studios, shooting infrastructure, post-production facilities, dubbing and recording facilities and other infrastructure for film. A state that formally celebrates its creative community can bolster its cultural identity.

The Nandi revival could therefore serve as a bridge between cinema recognition and industry development. It can help in establishing Andhra Pradesh not just as a place where films are celebrated, but also as a destination where filmmakers can create and develop their projects.

An opportunity to build a modern Nandi

The biggest opportunity now is to make sure that the revived Nandi Awards are designed for the present generation.

The government can create a transparent and professionally managed awards system, with clearly defined categories, credible juries and wider recognition for technical crafts. Strong documentation can also help in ensuring that future generations can look back at the achievements of Telugu cinema during this transformative period. The Nandi Awards should ideally become more than a ceremony that is held once every few years. Their strength lies in continuity and credibility, and their ability to represent the diverse creative community of Telugu cinema and television. After years of waiting, the Nandi Awards are finally returning to the calendar. What Andhra Pradesh lost during this period was not just an awards function, but a tradition of bringing together the industry to acknowledge its own achievements.

What can now be regained is that tradition—with an opportunity to make it more inclusive, transparent and relevant to the future of Andhra Pradesh’s film and media industries.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suhas Sistu

[email protected]

Suhas Sistu, born in a family with education background, brought up with good principles and education. Though, coming from Engineering backdrop, his love towards language and passion towards cinema made him to pursue career in film journalism. Started his career as a freelance content writer for some Youtube channels, he later joined HANS India as a translator. From translator to Reporter/Sr. Sub-Editor, his journey is continuing in our organisation.

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