It was touted to be one of Tollywood’s most expensive films. With its impressive special effects and star cast, the film even ran to full houses for several weeks breaking box-office records. And now the Ram Charan Tej, Kajal Agarwal-starrer Magadheera has added another feather to its cap by bagging the National Award for Best Special Effects and Choreography.In the past too, Telugu films like Hope, Kittu, Kamli and 1940 lo Oka Gramam bagged the National Awards in different categories. However, an award in the Best Film category continues to elude Tollywood.
The movie that propelled Ram Charan and Kajal into superstardom was made with a budget of Rs 42 crores and collected a whopping Rs 70 crores. Many film personalities agree that the film, which was directed by S.S. Rajamouli, went on to become a blockbuster only because of its visual effects, music and choreography.
Needless to say, the cast and crew of the film is thrilled at having received the prestigious award. Actor Dev Gill who played the villain in the film admits that he was surprised with the news. “We worked very hard on the movie for 2.5 years and the national award is truly gratifying. I am proud to be a part of Magadheera. The award is a recognition of our hardwork.”
However, director Rajamouli’s wife Rama, who designed the costumes for the movie, is a tad disappointed. They were hoping to bag awards for the cinematography and art director categories too. “We were sure that we would win the award for visual effects and choreography. But we were also expecting it for cinematography and art direction. It is a little disappointing because then the appreciation for the film would have been complete. Nevertheless, we are happy at having bagged this award,” she says.
While both Ram Charan and Kajal remained unavailable for comment, Kajal’s mother Vinay says, “Kajal will be ecstatic. Tremendous hardwork went into making this film and this is a just reward for the team.”
On top of the world
Padmapriya (of Andari Banduvaya fame) bagged the special jury award for her roles in Pazhassi Raja and Kutty Sharnku. The actress is ecstatic. “Four of my films won awards in several categories. It is rare that the special jury award is given to actors and I am glad I bagged it. I must give due credit to all my filmmakers who helped me showcase my skills,” she says.
