National Film Awards: Bhagavanth Kesari wins Best Telugu film

The National Film Awards for the films released in 2023 have been announced. Nandamuri Balakrishna’s “Bhagavanth Kesari,” directed by Anil Ravipudi, was chosen as the Best Regional Film in Telugu. The film, which highlighted the importance of the girl child and addressed the topic of ‘good touch and bad touch,’ won the jury’s acclaim.

The jury, headed by acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, said it was a unanimous decision. “Bhagavanth Kesari” was a modest commercial success and is currently being remade in Tamil as Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan won the National Award for Best Actor for “Jawan.” It was a tie, with Vikrant Massey also receiving the Best Actor award for “12th Fail.” This marks the first National Award win for Shah Rukh Khan.

Meanwhile, Kasarla Shyam and Sai Rajesh Neelam won awards for their writing talents. Kasarla Shyam received the Best Lyrics award for his evocative song “Ooru Palleturu” from the film “Balagam,” while Sai Rajesh Neelam won the Best Screenplay award for his film “Baby.”

PVN Rohit was awarded Best Playback Singer (Male) for his song in “Baby.” Hanu Man won two awards — Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) and Best Action Choreography.

Director Sukumar’s daughter, Sukriti Veni Bandreddi, won the Best Child Artist award for her performance in the children’s film “Gandhi Thatha Chettu.”