Kalavedika NTR Film Awards: A Magnificent Tribute to Legacy and Excellence

In a dazzling celebration of cinematic and national pride, the Kalavedika NTR Film Awards 2024 were presented in a grand ceremony . The event, held under the banner of the Telangana Department of Language and Culture and organized by Kalavedika, was a fitting tribute to the legendary actor and statesman Late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

With the relentless efforts of Kalavedika convener Bhuvana Rayavarapu, guided by the vision of veteran producer R.V. Ramanamurthy, the event stood out not only for honoring cinematic talent but also for its heartfelt acknowledgment of real-life heroes.

Saluting the Real Heroes – NTR Desh Rakshak Awards
In a special initiative this year, the NTR Desh Rakshak Awards were instituted to honor the courage and patriotism of the Indian Armed Forces. Personnel who demonstrated exceptional valor during Operation Sindhur were recognized with great respect: Major General N.S. Rao, Major Bharat,Group Captain P.R. Prasad, Captain T.N. Saikumar
These awards were presented by distinguished guests, acknowledging their unmatched service to the nation.

Lifetime Achievement Honorees
This year’s NTR Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to:
Mrs. N.R. Anuradha – Veteran Producer , Mr. Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao – Senior Film Producer
To commemorate the occasion, a special edition titled “Nata Sarvabhoumudu”, celebrating the legacy of NTR, was launched in the presence of honored guests.

Emotional Tributes and Reflections

Chief guest Nandamuri Mohan Krishna, noted cinematographer and son of NTR, expressed deep pride in being the son of a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a cultural icon and political visionary. He praised NTR’s unique ability to touch lives through both cinema and social service.

T. Prasanna Kumar lauded the initiative to honor soldiers, stating it reflects a new cultural standard. He reminisced about NTR’s decision to remain committed to Telugu cinema despite national offers, showcasing his loyalty and live for his language and people.

Lifetime achievement awardee Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao highlighted NTR’s pivotal role in giving Telugu people global recognition and establishing a political presence that won unanimous support across both Andhra and Telangana.

Actor Madala Ravi described NTR as the only actor who transformed his public love into political power and dedicated his life to uplifting the downtrodden.

Captivating Performances & Audio-Visual Tributes
The event featured vibrant dance performances and soulful musical renditions by children. A documentary tracing Kalavedika’s 52-year journey, the illustrious career of R.V. Ramanamurthy, and the impactful life of NTR captivated the audience.

NTR Film Awards 2024 – Complete List of Honorees
Best Actor: Vishwadev Rachakonda – 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu
Hat-Trick Debut Hero: Narne Nithiin
Best Actress: Roopa Koduvayur – Sharangapani Jatakam
Best Producer: Srinivas Chitturi – Naa Saamiranga
Best Director: Mallik Ram – Tillu Square
Best Spiritual Film: Muppalaneni Shiva – Brahma So Vishnu
Best Supporting Actor: Shyam Kalyan – Committee Kurrollu
Best Supporting Actress: Vishika – Committee Kurrollu
Best Villain: Tummala Prasanna Kumar – Record Break
Best Dialogue Writer: Addagala Kondalar Rao – Committee Kurrollu
Best Background Score: Gourahari – Hanuman
Best Music Director: Shekar Chandra – Uru Peru Bhairavakona
Best Male Playback Singer: Kareemulla – Bhale Unnade
Best Female Playback Singer: Spoorthi Jitender – Razakar
Best Jury Singer: Ritesh G Rao – Janaka Aithe Ganaka
Best Lyricist: Rambabu Goshala – Jitender Reddy
Best Cinematographer: Suresh Sarangam – Mathu Vadalara 2
Best Comedian: Rocket Raghava – Operation Ravana
Best Choreographer: J.D. Master – Committee Kurrollu
Best Editor: Viplav Nyshadam – Swag
Best Audio Label: My3 Audios
Best Exhibitor (Category A): Taraka Rama Rao 70MM, RK 35MM, N. Mohana Roopa
Best Exhibitor (Category B): Taraka Rama Rao 70MM, RK 35MM, Kamineni Seemanthini
Best Distributor: Vamshi Nandipati
Best Studio: B. Srinivas (Pappu)
Best Radio RJ: RJ Krishna – Big FM
Best PRO: Madhu VR
Best Breakthrough Debut Actor: Ragh Mayur – Veeranjaneyulu Vihara Yatra
Best Debut Actress: Sreelu Prithviraj – Kotha Rangula Prapancham
Best Debut Presenter: Prabhakar Aripaka – Ramam Raghavam
Best Debut Director: V.V. Gopalakrishna – Ramam Raghavam
Best Debut Producer: Dheeraj Mogilineni – Ambajipeta Marriage Band
Best Story & Screenplay Writer: Ravi Rajashekar – Haddu Ledu Ra
Best Dialogue Writer: T. Sharath Chandra

Prominent Producer Awards:
Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao
N. Anuradha Devi , G. Jagadeesh Chandra Prasad
Music Maestro Honor: Ilaiyaraaja
Excellence in Medicine:
Dr. M. Priya Trinadh – Dermatology
Dr. Vijay Bhaskar – Orthopedics
Inspirational Icon Award: Ravi Padi – Deputy Chief Commercial Manager, Indian Railways

NTR Desh Rakshak Honorees:
Major General N. Srinivas Rao, Major Bharat (Sena Medal Recipient), Group Captain P.R. Prasad , Captain T.N. Saikumar (Shaurya Chakra Awardee), Colonel P. Ramesh Kumar – Director, Sainik Welfare Dept., Govt. of Telangana

The Kalavedika NTR Film Awards 2024 emerged not just as a celebration of cinematic brilliance, but also as a heartfelt tribute to leadership, valor, and cultural legacy – a testament to the towering legacy of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, who continues to inspire generations.