Sudhakar Komakula's ''Nuvvu Thopu Raa'' Receives International Award

Actor Sudhakar Komakula's 2019 film ''Nuvvu Thopu Raa'' received the 'Best Picture' international award in the prestigious Utah Film Festival 2020 in the USA. It received the Best Picture award under the Made in Utah category competing with many local and international films shot in the state of Utah, USA. The prestigious Utah Film Festival was established in 2001, and it consists of a jury which includes people from Hollywood.
''Nuvvu Thopu Raa'' was written by Ajju Mahakali and directed by Harinath Babu B. Srikanth Daduvai, James Kommu and Ritesh Gupta bankrolled the film under the banner of United Films in association with SJK Productions. The film stars ''Life is Beautiful'' fame Sudhakar Komakula along with noted actors Nirosha, Varun Sandesh, Nitya Shetty, Ravi Varma, Rakesh, Gemini Suresh etc. Nitya Shetty is the leading lady of the movie. It also has many local US talents like Cindy Perez, Jarred Brannon, Srini Kolla, Anokh Ettaboina, Deepak Ravella, Hiranmayi Srinivasan etc.
Speaking on the occasion, Sudhakar expressed his happiness for receiving an international award. ''We are extremely happy in receiving the award as it has won against some international films with high budgets. The jury applauded the acting of the Protagonist, ensemble cast, extravagant visuals, production values, the premise of the film and storytelling. They were pleasantly surprised by the efforts provided by a non-local International team and showcasing their skills in an alien terrain surpassing the locals. They also showered their accolades on the cinematographer Venkat C Dilip for providing eye-candy visuals and music director Suresh Bobbili for his soothing soulful music. Location Manager Edmund Rose and Executive Producer Stephanie Ollerton played an influential role in getting us the iconic locations,'' said Sudhakar.
The award ceremony happened on 21st of November virtually due to COVID restrictions where cast and crew of various films joined from all over the world. A 45 min Q&A session was conducted by the festival host Warren Workman the day before i.e., 20th November with the main cast and crew of ''Nuvvu Thopu Raa''. It was an ecstatic moment for the team when the host announced the Best Picture award online. James Kommu, Sudhakar, Harinath and Nirosha have given their happiness little acceptance speeches virtually and celebrated with a cake then and there itself. It would have been great if the event was live. However, due to the current scenario, the organisers were only able to conduct it online and Dr James Watt Kommu has received the award personally on behalf of the team.
''Nuvvu Thopu Raa'' was about how an illegal immigrant manages to set his life back on track in a foreign place with his swag, smartness and uncompromising attitude within a deadline. It is a breezy family entertainer with thrilling moments. It was lavishly shot in the state of Utah showcasing the beauty of the place for the first time for any Indian film. Places like Bonneville Salt Flats, Bryce Canyon, Sundance home Provo, Salt Lake City valley were showcased really well. Venkat C Dileep and Prakash Velayudhan have cranked the camera and music department was handled by Pallikonda Adrushta Deepak and Suresh Bobbili. Editor SB Uddhav, art director Jake Buntjer and production designer Padmashri Thota Tharrani were part of the technical crew. Vijay master and Duy Beck were action directors.
On the professional front, Sudhakar Komakula will be next seen in ''Reset'' directed by Ajju Mahakali. It will be a crime comedy thriller set during lockdown 1.0. The actor will be seen playing never seen before role in the film. First look of poster of Reset was unveiled on the occasion of the actor’s birthday and it raised the expectations of the movie. Reset will be bankrolled by Sukha Studios in collaboration with Highlight Visuals and Kaaraaboondhi Productions. The film will go on floors from December. Dennis Norton has been roped in to compose music while the cinematography will be handled by Siddam Manohar.