Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information & Broadcasting said that National Film Awards provided a platform to showcase the composite and rich culture of India through the medium of Cinema. While thanking the Jury Members of the 64^th National Film Awards for submitting the reports for the Feature and Non- Feature categories of movies, the Minister said that National Film Awards, had established itself as the Premier Film Awards in the Country while honouring the best talent in the Film Industry.

Caption: Sh Priyadarshan, Jury Chariman submitting report to Sh M Venkaiah Naidu

Commenting on the role of Cinema as a powerful communicator, Shri Naidu mentioned that Cinema influenced the behaviour and societal norms and had the power to bring extraordinary changes in the lives of the people. Taking advantage of this medium, the Ministry of I&B had organised various Film Festivals targeting various sections of the society like Children Film Bonanza, Patriotic Film Festival amongst others.

Speaking on Regional Cinema, Shri Naidu mentioned that Regional Cinema today had evolved to the extent of becoming a natural competitor for Bollywood. Movies like Baahubali which had won several accolades had shown the potential of creativity, technology and animation in the Films Sector

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