‘UNITY – The Man of Social Justice’, the documentary, has been named the Best Documentary at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards (2025). Directed by Vijay Kumar Badugu, a filmmaker from Bhudan Pochampally, the film details the life and contributions of the prominent freedom fighter Konda Laxman Bapuji. Produced by Chirandas Srikanth, the production features performances by artist Mime Madhu and child actor Master Bhanu.
The selection was officially announced at the Telangana Film Development Corporation (FDC) office by Vijay Kanakamedala, the Jury Chairman for Documentaries and Short Films. The jury commended the film for its "technical execution and its success in making historical narratives accessible to a broad demographic, including both academic researchers and students".
Spanning a 30-minute runtime, the documentary was specifically noted for its "high-quality cinematography, narration, and editing". Director Vijay Kumar Badugu and producer Srikanth noted that receiving an award named after the folk singer Gaddar is a personal milestone. They credited TFDC Chairman and senior producer Dil Raju and the selection committee for recognizing a project centered on social justice and regional history.
Vijay Kumar set out to make a feature film. "There is so much content. I learned a lot about Bapuji's personal life, including about his love marriage, during my research. Since I couldn't find a producer who was ready to invest Rs 7-8 Cr, I made a documentary to spread awareness," he recently told NTV.
This latest accolade follows a series of international and national honors for the film. Prior to the Gaddar Film Awards, ‘UNITY’ received two awards at the Bharat International Film Festival in Mumbai. Additionally, Badugu was recognized as Best Director at the 15th Dada Saheb Phalke Awards in New Delhi earlier in 2025.
The Legacy of Konda Laxman Bapuji:
Bapuji was a veteran freedom fighter and a pivotal figure in the Telangana Statehood Movement. Often called the Father of the Telangana People, he participated in the 1952 Mulki Agitation and the 1969 Telangana Movement. His lifelong dedication to social justice and the weaving community remains a cornerstone of regional history. He was instrumental in forming Akhila Bharatha Padmashali Sangam.
