Latest news with #Gaddar
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Creating the Gaddar Award demanded cultural sensitivity and historical insight, says the artist
Mahi Sharma The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards memento featuring a golden hand clutching a traditional dappu, wrapped with a film reel, is a bold and evocative symbol of the spirit of resistance and culture in Telangana. It is the creation of Ramavath Nayak, an artist whose journey began in the bylanes of a small village near Guntur. Born in the early 1980s, Nayak discovered his love for art while still in school. His first earnings of ₹200 was by painting maps and portraits on school walls. Talking about his design, Mr. Nayak explained, 'The hand signifies the people's power to shape their lives and the dappu represents the beat of revolution, of collective justice. And the film reel ties it all to the power of storytelling through cinema.' For Mr. Nayak, designing the Gaddar Award was personal. 'I come from a village where there wasn't even an art teacher and to be chosen for something like this is a reminder that passion not privilege, defines your path,' he says. He added that creating the memento involved more than artistic skill; it demanded cultural sensitivity and historical insight. For this, he immersed himself in Gaddar's writings, speeches, and performances to understand the spirit of the man and the movement. He studied Telangana's folklore, protest art, and the region's history of resistance to arrive at the iconic design we now see. To hone his talent, he joined the Venkateshwara College of Fine Arts in Hyderabad. His decision to enroll was shaped by a fortuitous moment, a state-level art competition where his concept painting, themed around environmental awareness, caught the attention of prominent guests. One of whom encouraged him to pursue formal training in art. Despite financial constraints, he managed to complete his education, supporting himself with prize money and freelance work. Nayak was suggested as a candidate to design the Gaddar Award by his well-wisher Satya Kishor. As the Gaddar Award finds its place in the hands of Telugu cinema's finest, it carries with it not only recognition but also resistance, pride and an enduring beat of revolution just as Gaddar would have wanted. (The writer is an intern with The Hindu)
Hans India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Seetha Payanam' folk song ‘Ee Oorikeltave Pilla' launched by Vimala Gaddar
The upcoming multi-starrer Seetha Payanam, directed by the multi-talented Arjun Sarja and produced under Sri Ram Films International, is generating strong buzz with its recent musical release. Featuring Aishwarya Arjun and Niranjan in lead roles, the film also stars Arjun Sarja and Dhruva Sarja in powerful character roles. The teaser, which was released earlier, received an overwhelming response from audiences. Adding to the excitement, the film's folk number 'Ee Oorikeltave Pilla' was officially launched today by Vimala Gaddar, wife of the legendary revolutionary singer Gaddar. The event was graced by prominent folk artists including Kanakamma, Gangavva, Jogini Shyamala, and Baby, alongside the Seetha Payanam team. Gaddar's daughter Vennela Gaddar was also present at the launch. Composed as an energetic folk number by Anup Rubens, the song features dynamic vocals from Rahul Sipligunj and Madhu Priya, bringing high energy to the composition. The lyrics by Chandrabose strike a chord with listeners instantly, blending tradition and melody beautifully. The lead pair's on-screen chemistry stands out in the visuals, which are both vibrant and aesthetically pleasing. The song, with its catchy tune and relatable folk touch, has quickly become an instant hit. Seetha Payanam also features a stellar supporting cast including Sathyaraj, Prakash Raj, and Kovai Sarala in pivotal roles. The film's technical team includes G. Balamurugan as the cinematographer, Ayub Khan as the editor, and Sai Madhav Burra penning impactful dialogues.
Hans India
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Vishwanath Reddy redefining Telugu cinema
Karimnagar: Hailing from the heart of Karimnagar, Vishwanath Reddy has emerged as a visionary force in Telugu cinema, blending artistic ingenuity with technical mastery. His recent honour, the coveted Gaddar award for Best Cinematography cements his place among the industry's elite and reflects a larger shift in Telugu cinema, where behind-the-lens brilliance is finally taking centrestage. Reddy's journey from a childhood passion for photography to mastering the art of cinematic storytelling reflects his dedication, talent, and perseverance. His love for photography was sparked by the encouragement of his father, who recognised and nurtured his son's talent. This passion, initially a cherished hobby, soon became the cornerstone of his life, driving him to pursue photography as a career. From capturing still moments in Karimnagar, Vishwanath's curiosity and determination led him to explore the dynamic world of cinematography. Without formal training, he taught himself the craft, immersing himself in years of hands-on experimentation and skill-building. His professional start came through wedding photography in Hyderabad, where he honed his ability to capture fleeting emotions with precision. Speaking to The Hans India, Vishwanath said he aspires to become India's finest cinematographer, transforming his childhood passion for photography into a legacy of breathtaking cinematic visuals. Vishwanath's brilliance shines in his work on 'Gaami,' a film that took over seven years to complete. Collaborating with director Vidyadhar Kagita, he tackled the challenge of creating a film-stock-like texture on a limited budget. Through innovative techniques-like manipulating light with steel plates, he crafted a visual style that deepened the film's narrative, earning widespread acclaim for its immersive quality. For 'Gaami,' released in 2024, Vishwanath leveraged Blackmagic Pocket 4K and 6K cameras, capitalising on their dynamic range to produce stunning visuals optimised for post-production. His integration of over 750 VFX shots in Dolby Vision showcases his mastery of modern filmmaking tools, delivering vivid colours and striking contrasts that captivate audiences. His work has garnered prestigious honours, including the Gaddar Award for Best Cinematography, the Film Companion Gold Award, and the Cinematography Magazine Award for Best Cinematography. These accolades affirm his status as a trailblazer in Telugu cinema. As Vishwanath continues to shape Telugu cinema with upcoming projects like 'Premante' and '8 Vasanthalu,' his story resonates deeply in Karimnagar. He proves that talent and determination can transform dreams into extraordinary realities. His early projects, including 'Manu' (2018) and 'Vara' (2017), showcased his growing prowess, but it was 'Gaami' that catapulted him into the limelight. Vishwanath's ability to blend creativity with technical skill has made him a standout figure in Telugu cinema, culminating in his well-deserved Gaddar sward. His latest project, 'Premante,' is poised to make a significant impact in Asian cinemas. Directed by Navneet Sriram, the film features actors Priyadarshi and Anandhi in lead roles.
The Print
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Revoke Gaddar award for Razakar movie produced by BJP leader—civil rights body to Telangana govt
In a press conference Wednesday, the APCR sought the reassessment of the award selection process to ensure 'alignment with principles of historical accuracy and social unity'. It also sought a public statement from Revanth clarifying his government's position on endorsing a film, which 'distorts history and promotes communal disharmony through a state-backed award named after Gaddar'. The movie, 'Razakar: Silent Genocide of Hyderabad', is on the paramilitary wing Razakar which was active during the Nizam's rule in the erstwhile Hyderabad state. Hyderabad: The Telangana chapter of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has urged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to revoke the Gaddar award conferred on a movie produced by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gudur Narayan Reddy. Born as Gummadi Vithal Rao in 1949, Gaddar was a former Naxalite-turned-social activist who became associated with the Telangana statehood movement. The balladeer passed away in 2023. APCR members took exception to his name being associated with a movie produced by a BJP leader, and one which purportedly paints the Muslims in a negative light. 'This action is critical to restore the integrity of the Gaddar Awards, honour the secular and revolutionary legacy of Gaddar, and address the hurt caused to Telangana's secular communities which want to protect its Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb (read, syncretic ethos),' the APCR said, seeking revocation of the award, Last week, the Congress government-instituted Telangana Gaddar Film Awards gave the movie an award under the 'Environment/Heritage/History' category. It was given three awards—feature film on environment/heritage/ history; best makeup artist, and best music director. This, the APCR members said, is a 'profound insult to the legacy of legendary communist leader and balladeer Gaddar who dedicated his life to secular values and the upliftment of marginalised communities.' They said that the movie blatantly contradicts the Gaddar Awards, which was instituted to celebrate cinematic excellence and cultural integrity. 'The film presents a selective and distorted portrayal of history, reducing the complex Telangana Armed Struggle (1946-51) to a communal Hindu-Muslim narrative,' the APCR stated. Originally slated ahead of the 2023 Telangana polls, the movie was released before the 2024 general elections. BJP's Narayan Reddy was accused of creating communal disharmony by portraying the entire Muslim community as anti-Hindu. The Congress party, the association said, opposed the movie before its release due to the divisive content and now endorsed it through the state-backed award. 'This contradictory stance has deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims and secular-minded people across Telangana, who view the awards as an endorsement of communal propaganda.' Meanwhile, a senior functionary of the Telangana Congress Pradesh Committee (TPCC) said that such episode would only distance the minorities from the party. 'Many already take swipe at CM Revanth Reddy by calling him an RSS agent due to his ABVP days. This will only add to it,' he told ThePrint. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: Congress in Telangana gave award to Razakar—a propaganda film that demonises Muslims
Hans India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Civil rights body urges CM to clarify on giving award to ‘Razakar'
Hyderabad: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Telangana Chapter, along with activists, historians, and members of the Telugu film industry, demanded that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy issue an immediate public statement clarifying the Telangana government's stance on conferring the Gaddar Telangana Film Award to the film 'Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad'. During a press conference held at Basheerbagh Press Club, the activists found that the decision to honor this film with three awards—Feature Film on Environment, Heritage, History; Best Makeup Artist, and Best Music Director—is a profound insult to the legacy of legendary communist leader and balladeer Gaddar, who dedicated his life to secular values and the upliftment of marginalised communities. They demanded that the award be revoked, and to reassess the award selection process to ensure alignment with principles of historical accuracy and social unity. They held that the film presents a selective and distorted portrayal of history, reducing the complex Telangana Armed Struggle (1946-51) to a communal Hindu-Muslim narrative. Rather than addressing the feudal, caste, and social power issues central to the struggle, it falsely depicts Razakars as exclusively Muslim, ignoring their diverse composition and the broader context of the Communist-led peasant rebellion against feudal oppression. This communal agenda, evident throughout the film, vilifies the Muslim community and distorts the legacy of the Nizam's rule, undermining the principles of communal harmony and historical integrity that Gaddar championed. Awarding such a film in his name is a betrayal of his lifelong fight for justice and equality, they claimed.
