"If This Is How It Feels to Make Good Cinema, I'm Never Leaving": Niharika Konidela Emotional at Committee Kurrollu National Award Meet
What started as a dream driven by a team of newcomers has officially etched its name in the history books of Indian cinema. The team behind Committee Kurrollu recently gathered for an emotional celebration following the film’s historic triumph of winning two National Film Awards.
Hosted by Pink Elephant Pictures in association with Radha Damodar Studios, the event was less of a formal press meet and more of a deeply heartfelt reunion filled with tears, laughter, and overwhelming gratitude.
A Historic Milestone for Pink Elephant Pictures
Directed by Yadhu Vamsee and produced by Niharika Konidela alongside Phani Adapaka, Committee Kurrollu achieved what many thought was impossible for a film anchored almost entirely by debutants. Beyond its box-office success and critical acclaim, the film clinched two National Awards, including the prestigious recognition for Best Makeup awarded to Ramesh (Bobby).
Speaking at the event, an emotional Niharika Konidela shared how the journey transformed her life and earned her a distinct place of pride:
"Thirty-six years ago, my father won three National Awards for Rudra Veena before I was even born. In a family where legends like Chiranjeevi garu and Pawan Kalyan garu have achieved so much, I always wondered about my own space. Today, because of Committee Kurrollu, I feel I have truly earned my place. Deciding to make this film was the single most fulfilling moment of my life—if this is how it feels after making good cinema, I will never leave the film industry."
"This Award Belongs to All of Us": Director Yadhu Vamsee
For director Yadhu Vamsee, who manifested this victory from day one, the National Award is a collective badge of honor for every single technician and actor involved.
"Best Film recognition means the best actors, the best editing, the best music, and every single department coming together," Vamsee expressed. "This award doesn't belong to one person; every single one of our actors and crew members is a National Award winner today. Niharika garu carried the responsibility of a ₹9 crore film with newcomers on her shoulders when others doubted us. She gave us this life."
From Set Boy to National Stage: The Newcomers Speak
The celebration highlighted the life-changing impact the film has had on its vast cast and crew:
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Shiva Kumar Matta (Actor): "From being a set boy to standing on a National Award-winning stage today, my life changed because Niharika garu and Vamsee anna believed in me."
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Ramesh (National Award-Winning Makeup Artist): "When people ask me my gothram now, I tell them my gothram is Pink Elephant and my nakshatram is Niharika! Pink Elephant is truly a film school."
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Anudeep Dev (Music Director): "Committee Kurrollu has become the visiting card that is opening doors for my career everywhere today."
Producers Phani Adapaka and Manyam Ramesh also expressed their pride in proving that when a story is authentic and strong, audiences and juries alike will celebrate it.
Currently streaming on ETV Win, Committee Kurrollu stands as an inspiring testament to what conviction, teamwork, and bold producer backing can achieve in Telugu cinema.
