Posani Krishna Murali rejects Nandi award after Nara Lokesh's non-resident Andhra jibe

Well-known Telugu film actor and script writer Posani Krishna Murali has rejected the coveted Nandi Film Award from the Andhra Pradesh government, for which he had won for the Best Supporting actor category for his role in the film Temper.

The actor is enraged by how the Andhra Pradesh Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh, son of chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, dismissed concerns regarding the manner in which the Nandi Film awardees were chosen by the state.

In a jibe, Lokesh had asked why Hyderabad-based industry personalities,who did not have either Aadhar or voter identity cards, were being critical of the state and kicking up a storm about the Nandi Film Awards. He referred to them as "Non-Resident Andhras".

He objected to those living in Hyderabad, criticizing the state.

Those displeased with the choice of awardees found fault with the government for giving awards for three years at one go and making Naidu's brother - in - law Nandamuri Balakrishna (also Lokesh's father - in - law) a member of the jury. Incidentally, Balakrishna, who is also a MLA, was also selected for the Best Actor Award.

Some detractors took to social networks to allege that most awards were given to those who belong to one community. They even called it nepotism. "The Jury must be given an Oscar for their extraordinarily meritorious selections," declared director Ram Gopal Varma.

Producer Bandla Ganesh said, "It was very clear they have ignored the Mega family (meaning the Chiranjeevi clan) and have only given awards to their relatives and people who belong to their party." He asked as to "How is it fair to take the Best Actor award being a member of the jury and an MLA?"

Director Gunasekhar took to Twitter to publish an open letter addressed to Chief Minister Naidu. In this letter, he accused the jury for not giving his Rudramadevi due recognition. "Was it wrong on my part to seek exemption of entertainment tax for Rudramadevi, when another historical movie Gautamiputra Satakarni was granted exemption? Is it a question that has no answer?" he asked.

Several of the accusations on social media were justifiable. Last week, the state government announced the Nandi Film Awards for 2014, 2015 and 2016. While the blockbluster Baahubali bagged 13 Nandi Film Awards in different categories, Balakrishna's film Legend got eight awards.

Asking how anyone can be branded as a non - resident Andhra for criticising the manner in which Nandi Film Awards were made, Posani Krishna Murali asked, "How were NRAs chosen as jury members?" implying those staying in Hyderabad were part of it to make the Lokesh dig ring hollow.

Distraught by the brouhaha, Chief Minister Naidu rued that it was perhaps wrong to club the annual state film awards for three years.

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