Committee Kurrollu, the sleeper hit that turned a village friendship story into one of Telugu cinema's biggest surprises of 2024, has now been crowned with the country's most prestigious film honour. The film has won Best Telugu Feature Film at the 72nd National Film Awards, the highest recognition a film can receive in India. Make-up artist P. Ravi Kumar has also been honoured in the same edition, giving the film a rare double win.
A story that built a loud legacy
Committee Kurrollu, released around two years ago, was made on a budget of roughly Rs 9 Cr. It went on to earn Rs 18.5 Cr at the box office and another Rs 6 Cr through non-theatrical avenues, pushing its total revenue past Rs 24 Cr. The numbers mattered less than what they proved: a film without star power, built around local culture and unfamiliar faces, could still draw audiences in large numbers and hold their attention.
Set in a small Andhra village, the film follows a group of close friends whose minor falling-out spirals into a conflict that reveals sharper questions of caste, class, and community responsibility. It balances humour and nostalgia with social observation, a combination that reviewers repeatedly pointed to as its biggest strength.
The award behind the film
The National Film Award win is being described by those involved as the defining moment of the project. Producer Niharika Konidela, marking her debut as a feature-film producer with this title, called the recognition an emotional and humbling one. As per her, the team had simply set out to tell a story that felt true to where it came from, and that the award belonged to everyone who believed in the film.
That belief was tested early. When she first came across the script, Niharika has said she knew instantly that she wanted to be part of it. She chose to back an unproven director and a mostly unknown cast over a safer commercial route. That decision now carries the weight of a National Award. She later produced Raakaasa, which was a hit as well.
The director's personal stamp
Yadhu Vamsee, who wrote and directed the film as his debut feature, has spoken about how closely the story mirrors his own life and the lives of people around him. That personal connection is visible in how the village, its politics, and its rhythms are portrayed on screen. A former investment banker who left that career to pursue filmmaking, Vamsee brought a distinct, rooted voice to the project, one that the National Award now formally acknowledges. He is currently directing Bhari, starring Varun Tej, his next step after this breakout debut.
Recognition for the craft behind the camera
The film's second National Award went to P. Ravi Kumar for Best Make-up. His work helped the film convincingly stretch its story across decades and a large ensemble cast. His work added to the realism.
Cinematography by Edurolu Raju, editing by Anwar Ali, and music by Anudeep Dev rounded out a technical team that gave the film its distinctive texture.
Introducing new talent to Telugu cinema
Along the way, Committee Kurrollu introduced 16 newcomers to the industry, several of whom have since found new opportunities because of the film. It had already picked up honours at the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, GAMA in Dubai, SIIMA, and the Filmfare Awards South, along with a nomination at IFFI, before this latest and biggest win. The film is currently streaming on ETV Win.
