C/O Kancharapalem, the indie Telugu movie, has been rejected by the committee of the Indian National Awards. The committee disqualified the movie as it was produced by a non-Indian.
Produced by Praveena Paruchuri, an Indian origin US citizen, the movie was made on a shoestring budget and premiered at the New York Indian Film Festival, says a Business Standard report. Later on, the movie went on to be screened at the Caleidoscope Film Festival in Boston. Subsequently, the film was picked up for distribution by Rana Daggubati.
I’m so proud to announce that #careofkancharapalem will be showing at the Caleidoscope Film Festival on Dec 9th in Boston. @venkateshmaha25 and @paruchurimd will be there. Hope you guys will come and show your support so more of our films can make it to the international arena! pic.twitter.com/VghBe6DgPv
— paruchurimd (@paruchurimd) November 20, 2018
The movie is a love story that talks about social issues like caste and religion. But as per NFA guidelines, only movies that are produced by Indian citizens are eligible for consideration for the awards.
Following the disqualification, producer Paruchuri expressed displeasure at the system. Saying it was time for the rules to change, he apologized to the movie’s director, Venkatesh Maha for the disqualification.
SO SORRY @venkateshmaha25 #CareOfKancharapalem , your hard work and talent is NOT ELIGIBLE to be recognized at the #indiannationalfilmawards because it was Produced by me- a US citizen although of Indian origin …I failed you ?
— paruchurimd (@paruchurimd) January 9, 2019
Responding to this, Venkatesh Maha said “It’s not you @paruchurimd, it’s the outdated rules and regulations of our country. I don’t understand why an Indian film, made by an Indian director, in India, acted by Indians and for Indian audience is not eligible for Indian National Awards.”
It’s not you @paruchurimd, it’s the outdated rules and regulations of our country. I don’t understand why an Indian film, made by an Indian director, in India, acted by Indians and for Indian audience is not eligible for Indian National Awards. @DFF_India time for change. https://t.co/5xdD9PFjzk
— Venkatesh Maha (@venkateshmaha25) January 9, 2019
The National Film Awards are presented by the Directorate of Film Festivals. The makers in their tweet had tagged the directorate to let them know about their displeasure.
The people were quick to comfort the makers for the unfortunate turn of events.
Awards is dsnt matter ma'am we r given great unforgettable gift for all and all audience are recieved like that.
Now I proudly say my name as kancharapalemkishore Thanqq very much to produce this film.— Kancharapalem Kishore (@kishorepolimera) January 9, 2019
Everything about the movie is Indian except for producer and even she is an Indian origin…really unfair.
In fact the movie is more Indian than other movies that came last year
Hope @DFF_India look into it.
Rules are made by us and when it's needed it should be changed.— Rahul (@itsrahulvenu) January 9, 2019
MY NAME IS KHAN was considered Indian movie though it was jointly produced by FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES along with DHARMA PRODUCTIONS ! Injustice to C/o Kancharapalem !
— Monte Carlo Films (@MonteCarloFilms) January 9, 2019
But Akshay Kumar, a Canadian citizen can win a national award and get a padma shri.?
— Kalyan A (@jaKnChill) January 9, 2019
National Award for best actor goes to mediocre Canadian actor = good and cool
Acclaimed South Indian movie submitted for National Award consideration = an Indian origin North American producer? nope. should have chest thumping Bollywood patriot porn. https://t.co/dVLOplOMUM
— malad fingers (@nah_im_abdulla) January 9, 2019
Watch the trailer of the movie:
Image Courtesy: India Today
