The North America Telugu Society (NATS) proudly announces its Executive Committee (EC) for the 2026-2028 term. The NATS Board of Directors has elected Raj Allada as President, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading one of North America’s largest Telugu community organizations into its next chapter of growth, service, and community engagement.

The newly elected Executive Committee represents a strong blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent. The team includes President Raj Allada, Vice President Programs Rajesh Kandru, Vice President Finance and Marketing Anudeep Arla, Vice President Services Rajyalaxmi Chilukuri, Secretary Sudheer Mikkilineni, Treasurer Ram Naresh Kommanaboyina, Joint Secretary Bhanu Lanka, and Joint Treasurer Venkata Sakamuri. Together, they bring extensive professional expertise, community involvement, and a shared commitment to advancing NATS’ mission.

Raj Allada, a technology executive based in New Jersey, has been an integral part of NATS since 2009. Over the years, he has served the organization in several volunteer roles and has been a multiple-time NATS Board Member, actively promoting the organization’s vision and service initiatives. Known for his dedication to community service, Raj has consistently championed programs that create meaningful impact across North America and India.

In 2023, Raj Allada played an active role in the position of Deputy Convener, for NATS Sambaralu held at New Jersey. His leadership, fundraising capability, ability to unite volunteers, and unwavering focus on service earned widespread appreciation from members and stakeholders.

Recognizing his long-standing contributions and proven leadership, NATS has now elevated Raj Allada to the position of President for the 2026-2028 term. Under his leadership, the organization looks forward to expanding its service initiatives, strengthening member engagement, and continuing its legacy of excellence, unity, and service.

The NATS Board of Directors selected the new Executive Committee based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee after a comprehensive evaluation process. NATS Board Chairman Sri Kishore Kancharla congratulated Raj Allada and the newly elected Executive Committee, expressing confidence in their ability to lead the organization with vision, dedication, and a strong commitment to community service. The NATS Board extends its best wishes to President Raj Allada and his entire EC team for a successful and impactful 2026-2028 term

The 75th birthday celebrations of legendary director S.V. Krishna Reddy were held grandly in Hyderabad in the presence of several prominent personalities from the Telugu film industry.

Among those who attended the event was veteran producer Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao, whose speech won the appreciation of the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, producer Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao said:
“Outside, the heat is unbearable, but at S.V. Krishna Reddy garu’s function, it feels as though we are sitting amidst the snow-clad mountains of Kashmir. People like Ramoji Rao garu, Murali mohan garu, my friends S.V. Krishna Reddy and Acchi Reddy, and many other good-hearted individuals have played a major role in making our film industry what it is today.

It has been a long time since members of the film fraternity came together and celebrated an event in such a warm and homely atmosphere. For nearly four decades, it is because of great personalities like them that Telugu cinema has produced so many magnificent films. The film industry used to be like a festive home, always vibrant and flourishing.

Films directed by S.V. Krishna Reddy garu such as Yamaleela, Premaku Velaayaraa, Egire Paavurama, Shubhalagnam achieved tremendous success, with each film surpassing the previous one. Even in an era filled with major stars, he established a unique brand of his own. There were occasions when his films ran successfully in theatres for nearly a year, continuously entertaining audiences.

I sincerely wish that such a wonderful director lives a healthy life for a hundred years and completes a hundred films. I also hope that through his contribution, our film industry once again experiences the golden days of the past.

I have been watching Krishna Reddy garu since my childhood, and he looks exactly the same even today. He must reveal the secret behind that to all of us,” he said jokingly. “Just as your health remains strong and inspiring, may our film industry also remain healthy and prosperous.

We do not see this merely as S.V. garu’s birthday celebration it feels like a celebration in our own family, as if it were our own brother’s special day.”

Senior filmmaker Gunasekhar received warm birthday greetings from the Film Critics Association on the occasion of his birthday. Gunasekhar holds a unique place in Telugu cinema. Unlike many filmmakers who confine themselves to a particular genre, he has consistently explored diverse storytelling styles throughout his career.

Beginning his journey with Lathi, he has directed 14 films over a career spanning more than three decades. His filmography includes mythological, historical, and social dramas, making him one of the rare directors of this generation to successfully work across such a wide range of genres. Known for valuing quality over quantity, Gunasekhar has earned a distinctive and respected position in Tollywood.

As part of the celebrations, representatives of the Film Critics Association met the director and conveyed their birthday wishes. The delegation included Association President Battula Prasada Rao, General Secretary Suresh Kondeti, Vice President Janardhan Reddy, and Executive Committee Members Dheeraj Appaji, Chandu Ramesh, and Jilla Suresh.

Expressing his gratitude, Gunasekhar said he was delighted to receive birthday wishes from members of the Film Critics Association, an organization with a proud history spanning 58 years.

During the interaction, he also enquired about the well-being of several senior members and veteran journalists associated with the Association, including Thotakura Raghu, Balireddy, Mohan Goteti, Uma Maheswara Rao, Trade Guide Venkateswara Rao, and other senior media personalities.

The gathering turned into a warm and memorable occasion, celebrating both the filmmaker’s remarkable journey and his long-standing association with the film journalism fraternity.

Drinker Sai, starring Dharma Mahesh and directed by Kiran Tirumalasetti, is produced by Basavaraju Srinivas, Ismail Shaik, and Basavaraju Laharidhar under the Everest Cinemas and Smart Screen Entertainments banners. Carrying the tagline ‘Brand of Bad Boys’, the film was released in theaters and received a positive response, particularly from youth and mass audiences.

The movie is now continuing its successful run on OTT as well. Streaming on ZEE5, Drinker Sai is currently the No. 1 trending movie in the platform’s Free on ZEE5 section, winning widespread audience appreciation.

In particular, Dharma Mahesh’s outstanding performance in the film has been earning well-deserved praise from viewers and on social media. Audiences have noted that he portrayed a wide range of emotions, including love, anger, pain, rebellion, and emotional depth, with remarkable naturalness. Carrying the film on his shoulders and fully immersing himself in the role, Dharma Mahesh’s performance has emerged as one of the movie’s biggest highlights.

In this film, Dharma Mahesh delivers a natural and convincing performance portraying the life of an ordinary young man, along with his experiences of love, self-respect, and emotional struggles. In several key scenes, his expressions, dialogue delivery, and body language have impressed audiences. As a result, after earning a good reputation during its theatrical run, the film is now receiving even greater appreciation on OTT platforms. He also won the Debut Actor – Jury Award at GAMA Awards in Dubai for his mature act.

Actress Aishwarya Sharma has impressed viewers with her beauty and performance, while her chemistry with Dharma Mahesh has become another major attraction of the film. Supporting actors including Ritu Choudhary, Posani Krishna Murali, Srikanth Iyengar, Sameer, Bhadram, Kirrak Seetha, Fun Bucket Rajesh, and Raja Prajwal have also done full justice to their roles, adding strength to the story.

Technically as well, Drinker Sai has received positive feedback. Director Kiran Tirumalasetti succeeded in presenting the story in a way that connects with today’s youth. In particular, he effectively balanced emotions, romance, and entertainment throughout the film. The producers ensured high production values without compromising on quality.

Music director Sri Vasanth’s songs and background score have been a major asset to the movie. Since its release, the film’s songs have continued to attract music lovers. The music has played a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of the story and connecting it more strongly with the audience.

The response to Drinker Sai, which is currently holding the top trending position on ZEE5, shows that audiences are highly appreciative of Dharma Mahesh’s performance. The praise he is receiving is making this film a milestone in his career. With OTT viewers watching the film in large numbers, its popularity continues to grow day by day. The team is encouraging those who have not yet watched the movie to check it out, as it is currently available to stream for free on ZEE5.

• Free Entry Submission Open Until June 13
• Grand Awards Ceremony to be Held on June 21 at Prasad Labs, Hyderabad

The Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has come forward to encourage emerging talent in the film industry. Marking the 12th Telangana Formation Day celebrations, TFCC Chairman Dr. Prathani Ramakrishna Goud officially announced the “TFCC Short Film Festival Awards – 2026.”
There is no entry fee for participation in the festival. Aspiring filmmakers, actors, and technicians can submit their short films with a duration ranging from 5 to 25 minutes. Entries will be accepted until June 13, and the winners selected by the jury will be honored at a grand awards ceremony on June 21 at Prasad Labs, Hyderabad.

Speaking at the press meet, Dr. Prathani Ramakrishna Goud said that the festival is being launched as part of the Telangana Formation Day celebrations and will be organized every year hereafter. He noted that many successful actors and filmmakers in the industry began their careers through short films.
The festival will present awards in nearly 20 categories, including Best Story, Best Director, Best Hero, Best Heroine, Best Actor, Best Co-Artist, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematographer, Best Background Music, Best Supporting Actress, Jury Award, Best Producer, Best Journalist (Print & Electronic Media), Best Photo Journalist, and Best Cameraman, among others. He urged talented newcomers to make use of this opportunity and showcase their creativity.

TFCC Vice Chairman Gururaj praised Dr. Ramakrishna Goud’s efforts in promoting new talent and stated that conducting the festival without any entry fee is a commendable initiative.

TFCC Organizing Secretary Aksa Khan said that the festival provides an excellent platform for aspiring artists and filmmakers to prove their talent. He added that entries have already started coming in and encouraged participants to submit their films before June 13.

TFCC Vice Chairman Alla Bhakshu remarked that while many film festivals charge hefty entry fees, TFCC is offering this opportunity completely free of cost. He pointed out that several successful actors and directors have risen through short films and expressed confidence that this festival would help identify fresh talent.

TFCC Coordination Committee Secretary Prakash Goud appreciated the initiative and said that the festival would serve as a valuable platform for directors, actors, and technicians to showcase their skills. He encouraged all eligible participants to take advantage of this opportunity.

The speakers expressed hope that the TFCC Short Film Festival Awards – 2026 would emerge as a significant platform for discovering, recognizing, and encouraging new talent in the film industry.

“After watching a video that showed the memorial of the legendary filmmaker Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao in a neglected and deteriorated condition, Vishnu Manchu responded immediately. He promptly directed his team to visit the site and oversee the cleanup and restoration efforts. Thanks to their swift action, the memorial has been cleaned and brought back to a dignified and well-maintained state, reflecting the respect and honor Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao deserves.”