Niharika Konidela, Yadhu Vamsee Honoured at 72nd National Film Awards for ‘Committee Kurrollu’

September 22, 2026 Published by rajeshe092eb6a68

Niharika Konidela’s debut production ‘Committee Kurrollu’ has added another prestigious milestone to its journey. The film was formally honoured at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, with the team receiving recognition across two categories.

Niharika Konidela, representing producers Pink Elephant Pictures LLP and Shree Radha Damodara Studios, received the Rajat Kamal for Best Telugu Film. Director Yadhu Vamsee was also honoured with the prestigious award for his contribution to the film. Adding another achievement to the occasion, P. Ravi Kumar received the Best Make-up award for his work on Committee Kurrollu.

The historic ceremony was attended by members of the film’s team and family, including Naga Babu, Padmaja Konidela and Phani Adapaka, who joined Niharika in celebrating the special achievement.

A Special Milestone for Niharika Konidela

The recognition holds particular significance for Niharika Konidela as Committee Kurrollu marked her debut as a feature-film producer. Backing a culturally rooted story and placing her faith in debutant filmmaker Yadhu Vamsee and an ensemble featuring 16 newcomers has now resulted in one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious honours.

For Yadhu Vamsee, the National Award marks an equally significant achievement. Making his feature directorial debut with Committee Kurrollu, he crafted a story set against the backdrop of a small Andhra village, exploring friendship, caste, class, identity, social divisions and collective responsibility.

The film combines humour, nostalgia and emotion while maintaining a strong social undercurrent, creating a world deeply connected to its Telugu cultural setting.

P. Ravi Kumar Wins Best Make-up Award

The film also earned recognition for its technical craftsmanship, with P. Ravi Kumar winning the National Film Award for Best Make-up.

His work played an important role in maintaining the visual authenticity of the film, particularly while portraying its large ensemble of characters and the passage of time within the story. The honour highlights the contribution of the technical team in bringing the film’s grounded world to life.

From ₹9 Crore Budget to National Recognition

Presented by Niharika Konidela and produced by Padmaja Konidela and Jayalakshmi Adapaka under the banners of Pink Elephant Pictures and Shree Radha Damodara Studios, Committee Kurrollu was released theatrically on August 9, 2024.

Made on a reported budget of ₹9 crore, the film went on to collect ₹18.5 crore at the theatrical box office and earned ₹6 crore through non-theatrical business, taking its reported total revenue to ₹24.5 crore.

The story revolves around a group of close-knit friends in a small Andhra village whose lives change after a seemingly simple disagreement develops into a larger conflict. Through their journey, the film explores themes of friendship, caste, class, identity and collective responsibility.

A Collective Achievement

The National Award recognition also celebrates the efforts of the film’s ensemble cast and crew. The movie brought together 16 newcomers, along with technicians who helped establish its distinctive visual and musical identity.

Yadhu Vamsee’s direction, Edurolu Raju’s cinematography, Anwar Ali’s editing and Anudeep Dev’s music contributed to the film’s overall presentation and rooted storytelling.

With the Best Telugu Film honour and Best Make-up award, Committee Kurrollu has added two National Film Awards to its legacy. For Niharika Konidela, Yadhu Vamsee, P. Ravi Kumar and the entire team, the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony marks a memorable milestone in the film’s journey from a debut production to national recognition.