Saagu Wins Prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke International Award

Vamsi Tummala and Harika Balla’s film “Saagu,” directed by Vinay Ratnam, has made a significant mark in Tollywood by winning the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke International Award in the top 100 short films category. The filmmakers shared their excitement, announcing, “We are thrilled to announce that our film has won the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival award in the Top 100 short film category.”

The film’s cinematography was handled by Akshay Ram, with Dhani Kurian, Suhit Bangera, and Rajesh Bobam managing the music and editing departments. Yasaswi Vanga produced the film with great care and dedication.

“Saagu” is not just a film; it’s a labor of love and a deeply personal, transformative journey for me as a filmmaker, Vinay Ratnam. It delves into the human spirit’s unbreakable power of love, set against societal norms and traditions that often limit our potential and define our destinies.

The inspiration behind “Saagu” was to shed light on the challenges and triumphs of individuals who defy conventions, transcending caste boundaries and societal expectations. The characters of Hari Babu and Subba Laxmi symbolize countless people whose remarkable love stories often go unnoticed.

This film underscores the importance of breaking free from discrimination and injustice, advocating for inclusivity and love as driving forces in adversity. Through the characters of Hari and Subba Laxmi, we aim to showcase their unwavering determination, their courage to face rejection and betrayal, and their indomitable spirit, reminding us that love knows no bounds.

In “Saagu,” we witness the extraordinary journey of Hari Babu and Subba Laxmi as they challenge societal norms and embark on a courageous love story. Despite belonging to different castes, they defy all odds to marry and build a life together, relying on their determination and the meager half-acre of land left by Hari’s mother to secure their future. However, they face numerous obstacles, including the lack of water for irrigation and the fear of Subba Laxmi’s father, which threatens their dreams.