Hyderabad: ‘Yaksha Ganam;, a short film directed by Ram Thalaiva, won the first prize of ₹3 lakh at the Telangana Film Development Corporation’s (TGFDC) Bathukamma Young Filmmakers Challenge Awards.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka urged young filmmakers to raise awareness about climate change, water scarcity and energy conservation through their films.
‘Naa Inti Bathukamma’, directed by Abhinav Santhaboina, secured the second prize with ₹2 lakh, while ‘Illu Velugu’, directed by Prabhuvan Raj, bagged the third prize of ₹1 lakh.
The competition received 2,600 short film entries, highlighting the growing interest in filmmaking among young people in Telangana.
Bhatti said cinema should go beyond entertainment and inspire people to think about issues affecting society.
He called on aspiring directors to combine compelling storytelling with meaningful social messages.
He cautioned that climate change, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns could aggravate water shortages in the coming years.
Young filmmakers could use short films to promote rainwater harvesting, prevent water wastage and encourage environmental protection, he said.
He also stressed the importance of conserving electricity amid growing demand.
“Bathukamma is a reflection of Telangana’s soul and cultural identity.
Just as flowers of different colours and fragrances come together to form Bathukamma, the festival brings people from diverse backgrounds together.
It symbolises social justice and equality,” he said.
Bhatti said the state government aimed to develop Hyderabad into a major destination for Indian cinema, beyond its position as a hub for Telugu films.
Although the Telugu film industry was based in Hyderabad, there had earlier been a perception that people from Telangana lacked adequate opportunities, he said, adding that local directors and actors were now gaining recognition.
Under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the government was committed to identifying emerging talent, supporting creative expression and strengthening Hyderabad’s position in the national film industry.
Bhatti also appreciated the TGFDC for providing a platform for aspiring filmmakers.
Urging participants not to be discouraged by losing, he said winning an award was not the only measure of success.
A total of 29 awards were presented across categories, including short films, songs, folk songs, influencers and essays.
Folk singer and activist Vimalakka said the event encouraged young talent and brought together people interested in different art forms.
She said Bahujana Bathukamma celebrations had been organised across Telangana for 16 years to raise awareness of social issues.
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