Committee Kurrollu marked a landmark moment at the 72nd National Film Awards as the film’s honours were formally presented at the National Film Awards ceremony. Niharika Konidela, representing the producers Pink Elephant Pictures LLP and Shree Radha Damodara Studios, received the Rajat Kamal for Best Telugu Film, while director Yadhu Vamsee was also honoured with the prestigious award for the film. Adding to the achievement, P. Ravi Kumar received the Best Make-up award for his work on Committee Kurrollu. The proud occasion was witnessed by members of the film’s team and family, including Naga Babu, Padmaja Konidela and Phani Adapaka, who attended the ceremony alongside Niharika.
The ceremony marked the culmination of an extraordinary journey for Committee Kurrollu, which began as a rooted Telugu story backed by a new generation of talent and went on to earn the country’s premier cinematic recognition. For Niharika Konidela, the occasion carried particular significance as Committee Kurrollu marked her debut as a feature-film producer. Her decision to back a culturally rooted, content-driven story and place her faith in debutant filmmaker Yadhu Vamsee, alongside an ensemble of 16 newcomers, has now culminated in one of the most prestigious recognitions in Indian cinema.
At the ceremony, Niharika Konidela received the Rajat Kamal for Best Telugu Film representing the producers Pink Elephant Pictures LLP and Shree Radha Damodara Studios. The honour marks a significant milestone in her journey as a producer, with Committee Kurrollu being her debut feature-film production. Her decision to back a culturally rooted, content-driven story and place her faith in debutant filmmaker Yadhu Vamsee, alongside an ensemble of 16 newcomers, has now culminated in one of the most prestigious recognitions in Indian cinema.
Yadhu Vamsee also received the Rajat Kamal for Best Telugu Film for his directorial contribution to Committee Kurrollu. The honour represents a remarkable achievement for Vamsee, who made his feature directorial debut with the film. Set against the backdrop of a small Andhra village, the film uses the story of a close-knit group of friends to explore friendship, caste, class, identity, social divisions and collective responsibility, balancing humour, nostalgia and emotion with a strong social undercurrent.
The film’s second National Film Award recognised the meticulous craft of P. Ravi Kumar, who received the Best Make-up honour. His work contributed significantly to the film’s visual authenticity, particularly in portraying its large ensemble of characters and the passage of time within the story. The award acknowledges the technical craft that helped create the film’s grounded and believable world.
The historic occasion was made even more special by the presence of Naga Babu, Padmaja Konidela and Phani Adapaka, who attended the ceremony and shared the moment with Niharika and the team. Their presence added a personal dimension to an achievement that represents an important milestone for everyone associated with the production.
Presented by Niharika Konidela and produced by Padmaja Konidela and Jayalakshmi Adapaka under the banners of Pink Elephant Pictures and Shree Radha Damodara Studios, Committee Kurrollu released theatrically on August 9, 2024. Made on a budget of ₹9 Crores, the film went on to collect ₹18.5 Crores at the theatrical box office and earned ₹6 Crores through non-theatrical business, taking its total revenue to ₹24.5 Crores.
Set in a small Andhra village, Committee Kurrollu follows a group of close-knit friends whose lives are transformed when a seemingly simple disagreement develops into a larger conflict. Through friendship, nostalgia, humour and emotion, the film explores questions of caste, class, identity and collective responsibility while remaining deeply connected to its cultural setting.
The film’s National Award recognition also celebrates the collective work of its cast and crew. From its ensemble of 16 newcomers to the technicians who shaped its visual and sonic identity, Committee Kurrollu brought together a team committed to creating an authentic and emotionally resonant world. Yadhu Vamsee’s direction, Edurolu Raju’s cinematography, Anwar Ali’s editing and Anudeep Dev’s music contributed to the film’s distinctive cinematic texture.
For Niharika Konidela, the National Film Awards ceremony represents a defining moment in her journey as a producer. By backing a debut director and a largely new ensemble with a story rooted in Telugu culture, she helped create a film that has now reached the national stage. The recognition of Committee Kurrollu as Best Telugu Film, alongside the Best Make-up honour for P. Ravi Kumar, makes the occasion a significant achievement for the entire production.
With two National Film Awards now forming a defining part of its legacy, Committee Kurrollu stands as a celebration of new voices, rooted storytelling and collective creative conviction. The film’s journey from a debut production to the 72nd National Film Awards marks a significant chapter for Niharika Konidela, Yadhu Vamsee, P. Ravi Kumar and the entire team behind the film. Committee Kurrollu is currently streaming on ETV Win, continuing to reach audiences while carrying its National Award-winning legacy forward.
