Feature Film

The Group (Balagam)

Directed by Venu Yeldandi

AFIN 2023 Finalist

  • 2023
  • 2h 8m
  • India
  • Telugu
  • Drama
  • Comedy
First-time filmmaker

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Stills

1 frame

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Credits

Written by

Synopsis

Komurayya, an old man living in a Telangana (India) village, is a jovial figure who wakes up early in the morning, greets everyone and works on his farm. He has three children - two sons, Aillaya and Mogilayya and a daughter, Lakshmi. But his family is no longer the same. His grandson Saayilu, a bright but self-centered youngster, decides to get married to clear his debts with the dowry he gets. Komurayya’s death just before the engagement changes the course of his life and the family members, rattling some skeletons in the closet. The family's post funeral pinda (riceball) ritual, attended by the whole village, shows that the old man’s soul is unsatisfied with something when the crows refrain from eating the offerings. Will the family sort out their differences, figure out the old man's wishes and free the departed soul?

Director's Statement

Venu Yeldandi, filmmaker portrait provided to AFIN.

Making 'Balagam' was my lifetime dream and the kind of response I got for Balagam is beyond even my wildest of dreams. I thank the almighty, my parents, our Producers Harshith Reddy and Hanshitha, and the most important Mr. Dil Raju, an ace Producer in Telugu Cinema for backing Balagam.

What makes this one special

  • A first-time filmmaker

Director's Biography

Venu Yeldandi, filmmaker portrait provided to AFIN. Venu Yeldandi Director

Venu Yeldandi (a.k.a Tillu Venu) is a comedian turned Director who made his Directorial Debut with the movie 'Balagam'. He played comic roles in hundreds of films before turning a Director. Balagam was written and directed by him and he has earned both critical acclaim and commercial box office success with his very first film as a Director.

Cast

Placings

Recognised in these categories at AFIN 2023, as announced that season.

  • Best Feature Film Honorable Mention
  • Best Cinematography Finalist

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AFIN 2027

Entries for 2027 are open

On FilmFreeway since Sunday 1 November 2026. 22 awards, and every film can be up for several.

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