Following a triumphant sweep at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards, the team behind the socially conscious blockbuster Dhandoraa hosted a "Thank You Meet" in Hyderabad. The event was an emotional reflection on the film’s journey from a gritty production to a state-honored masterpiece.
Having secured three major awards, including Second Best Feature Film, Best Supporting Actor (Sivaji), and Best Music Director (Mark K. Robin), the film has solidified its status as a landmark in Telugu parallel cinema.
A Director’s Pride and a Social Impact
Director Muralikanth Devasoth expressed deep gratitude toward the Telangana Government for fostering a platform that motivates meaningful storytelling.
-
The Inspiration: Muralikanth shared a heart-wrenching anecdote about how local communities thanked him for highlighting the lack of cremation space—an issue that resonated with thousands across the state. "That recognition is the biggest award I could ever receive," he noted.
-
The Backbone: He credited Sivaji for being the film's pillar, noting that his cooperation allowed the project to be completed in record time without any demands.
Sivaji’s Humble Stance
Actor Sivaji, who was honored for his stellar performance, displayed immense humility during the meet.
-
The Sacrifice: To achieve the "tired and worn-out" look his character demanded, Sivaji revealed he stayed awake through most of the shooting schedule.
-
Credit Where It’s Due: "I truly wish the award had gone to my director instead of me. The writing is the real power here," he stated. He also thanked Jr. NTR for his viral tweet that helped the film reach a global audience.
A Musical Tribute to Gaddar
Music Director Mark K. Robin delivered a poignant speech, reflecting on the honor of winning an award named after the legendary balladeer Gaddar.
-
The Connection: "I grew up on Gaddar anna’s songs; they were the fire of Telangana. Receiving this honor in his name is surreal," Robin shared. Director Muralikanth added that they spent many sleepless nights in the studio, with Robin even doubling as a host to keep the creative sessions going.
Ensemble Support and Future Outlook
-
Cast Reflections: Actors Suresh, Bhaskar, and Rajasekhar emphasized that while such raw stories usually come from other languages, Dhandoraa proves that Telugu cinema can produce world-class realistic drama.
-
Rising Recognition: Actress Manika Chikkala shared how villagers now recognize her as "Sivaji’s daughter," proving the film's deep penetration into rural Telangana.
-
The Producer's Guts: Actor Nandu praised producer Benny Muppaneni for his bravery in backing a non-commercial subject, suggesting that future awards should include a "Best Producer" category for such bold ventures.
