The Telugu hit Baby, directed by Sai Rajesh Neelam, received prestigious recognition at the 71st National Film Awards (2025), securing two major honors: Best Screenplay (Original) and Best Male Playback Singer for the emotional track “Premisthunna” sung by PVNS Rohit.
Best Screenplay (Original)
Sai Rajesh Neelam earned his second National Award after Colour Photo, celebrated for the film’s emotionally driven storytelling and layered character arcs. The screenplay’s glowing reception reflects the film’s depth and its resonance with audiences beyond typical commercial fare.
Best Playback Singer (Male)
Singer PVNS Rohit received national acclaim for Baby’s song “Premisthunna”, delivering a soulful vocal performance that became one of the film’s emotional high points. During a press meet, Rohit shared his gratitude and called the award deeply fulfilling, describing the journey as transformational following earlier career setbacks.
Team Reactions & Cultural Impact
At a post-award event in Hyderabad, key members including Anand Deverakonda, Vaishnavi Chaitanya, producer SKN, lyricist Suresh Banishetti, and others expressed joy and pride over the national recognition. Director Sai Rajesh dedicated the awards to his mother and credited the entire team—including lyricist Banishetti and editor Viplav—for their part in bringing the film’s emotional vision to life.
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|---|
| Critical Validation | Two National Awards underscore the film’s artistic merit and storytelling strength. |
| Telugu Cinema Spotlight | Andhra & Telangana cinema delivered a strong showing in 2025, with Baby being part of the seven awards the region garnered at the national level. |
| Cult Classic Status | Beyond box office success, Baby has grown into a cultural touchstone through music, story, and word-of-mouth longevity. |
