'Cinema Bandi', which has been streaming on Netflix, is an indie film produced by Raj Nidimour and Krishna DK. The film, released directly on OTT in May 2021, has been featured in the Indian Panorama section at the 53rd International Film Festival of India where it won the Jury Special Mention Award.
"Catching up with the run for unique concepts and storyline in Indian cinema- ‘Cinema Bandi’, a comedy-drama by Director Praveen Kandregula will keep you hooked to the heart-warming tale of the journey from an auto driver to cinemawalla," the jury said.
The film was received so well by the viewers that it trended at No. 1 on Netflix for two weeks after its release.
What is the film about? The story is set in an Andhra village. Veera (Vikas Vasishta) is an auto-rickshaw driver who finds an expensive camera in his auto because a city couple forgot their bag. He goes to his friend Gana (Sandeep Varanasi), a small-time photographer. Veera and Gana decide to make a feature film with the camera by casting their fellow villagers in a love story.
Maridesh Babu (played by Rag Mayur), a barber, joins them as the male lead. A school girl Divya (Trishara) and Manga (Uma Yaluvalli), too, team up with them. And Veera's wife (Sirivennela Yanamandhala) becomes the emotional anchor. Can they successfully complete the film?
The 53rd edition of IFFI has already feted Megastar Chiranjeevi, besides screening Telugu hits like 'RRR' and 'Akhanda'.
