Hyderabad witnessed a vibrant celebration of creativity and grassroots talent as the ‘Bathukamma Young Film Makers Challenge’, organised by the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC), concluded with a grand awards ceremony at Ravindra Bharathi on Monday. The initiative emerged as a unique platform for young filmmakers from across Telangana, including participants from some of the most remote villages in the State.

Minister for Roads & Buildings and Cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, along with Tourism, Culture and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, attended the programme as chief guests and presented awards to the winners. Addressing the gathering, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy described the challenge as a first-of-its-kind experiment in the country, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to encourage youth, promote small films and nurture new talent in the film industry.

The Minister said the enthusiastic participation from rural and interior regions reflected the immense creative potential of Telangana’s youth. “This is not merely a competition; it is a vibrant bridge between the government and the people. Through these young filmmakers, welfare schemes and powerful social narratives are reaching the world in a creative and impactful way,” he said.

Expressing happiness over the quality of entries received from remote villages, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy noted that the initiative had successfully brought grassroots talent onto a global platform. He congratulated all participants, extended special wishes to the winners and assured continued support from the Cinematography Department. Recalling films such as Balagam and the recent Dandora, he praised their strong social messaging and emotional depth.

Highlighting the State government’s commitment to developing Telangana as a film-friendly destination, the Minister referred to major infrastructure projects such as the Mannanur–Srisailam elevated corridor, being constructed at a cost of ₹8,000 crore, which is also expected to serve as a major shooting location.

Under the competition, separate cash awards were presented in the Short Film and Bathukamma Video Song categories. The first prize carried ₹3 lakh, the second ₹2 lakh and the third ₹1 lakh, along with consolation prizes of ₹20,000 each.

In the Short Film category, Sarassu Gnapakalu won the first prize, followed by Sontha Illu and Atma Gouravam. Special jury awards were presented to Ela Batukalamma (Child Artist) and S/o Chukka Ramulu, directed by Sandeep D. Jenda. In the Video Song category, Bathukamma secured the top honour, while Bathukamma Samburam and Aakasham Anchulu Daati won the second and third prizes respectively.

The programme was attended by TFDC Chairman Dil Raju, FDC Managing Director C.H. Priyanka, noted directors Harish Shankar, Tanikella Bharani and Dasarath, singer Rahul Sipligunj, artistes Sri Lakshmi, Mangli, P.G. Vinda, music director Charan Arjun, and a large number of young filmmakers, cinema personalities and officials.