Bhatti Vikramarka inaugurates Gaddar Film Awards screenings
HYDERABAD: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu on Friday said the Gaddar Film Awards ceremony, scheduled on Ugadi, will be organised in a manner “never seen in the past and never to be seen again”, with the aim of drawing global attention to Hyderabad.
Global spotlight on Hyderabad cinema
Inaugurating the Gaddar Film Awards film screening programme at Prasad Labs, Bhatti Vikramarka said the Telangana Film Development Corporation would organise the awards in a historic manner. He said the State government would extend full support and cooperation to ensure the programme’s success.
He said the event should be conducted in a way that places Hyderabad firmly on the global film industry map.
Tribute to Gaddar, second edition of awards
Paying tributes to Gaddar, the Deputy Chief Minister described him as a revolutionary who used art for social transformation and dedicated his life to the people. He said the People’s Government instituted film awards in Gaddar’s name in recognition of his contribution, and that this year marks the second edition.
Recalling his association with Gaddar in his final days, Bhatti Vikramarka said he had spent considerable time with him, including at recording studios where Gaddar worked on experimental songs.
Hyderabad to become global film hub
The Deputy Chief Minister said awards would be presented across all departments of the Telugu film industry and stressed that Hyderabad should grow beyond being only a Telugu cinema centre to become a hub for films in multiple Indian languages.
He said Hyderabad offers a strong ecosystem with favourable climate, skilled professionals and robust law and order, and that the government is preparing a comprehensive blueprint to transform the city into a global film capital.
Highlighting cinema’s economic and social impact, he said it was a matter of pride that the Telugu film industry has received global recognition, including Oscars. He said the People’s Government under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is committed to building on these achievements.
Assuring support to the film fraternity, Bhatti Vikramarka said the government would stand by the industry for any requirement, including financial assistance and law and order support.
He said the Chief Minister and Cinematography Minister were unable to attend the programme due to municipal elections but reiterated their commitment to supporting the film industry.
The Deputy Chief Minister appreciated Film Development Corporation chairman Dil Raju for overseeing the Gaddar Film Awards and said he has been actively sharing suggestions on addressing issues faced by film workers.
He also urged Jury Chairman Mani Sharma and jury members to ensure a transparent and impartial selection process.
The programme was attended by Dil Raju, Mani Sharma, Film Development Corporation executive director Kishore Babu and others.
