Avakai: Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture, Literature to be Held from Jan. 8 to 10

With a strong focus on Telugu cinema and literature, the festival responds to the growing national interest in regional storytelling while addressing the absence of a dedicated platform of this scale and ambition. Anchored in the cultural landscape of Amaravati–Vijayawada, Avakai positions the region as a contemporary cultural capital while linking heritage, tourism and public participation. Envisioned under the vision of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, and produced by Teamwork Arts, the Festival introduces a format new to the state, combining cinema, literature and the performing arts through performances, conversations, workshops and immersive experiences, making Avakai a nationally significant cultural development.

Over three days, Avakai will present a multidisciplinary programme spanning cinema, literature, poetry, music, dance, theatre and cultural conversations. A strong focus on Telugu cinema will explore its literary roots, narrative traditions and contemporary evolution through curated discussions and screenings. The programme includes panel discussions, poetry readings and mushaira sessions in Telugu and Urdu, workshops on theatre, dance, puppetry and music, along with evening performances across classical, folk, contemporary and cinematic forms. Visitors will also experience heritage trails, scenic ghat ferry rides, interactive installations and curated culinary experiences.

The festival opens with Prarambhotsavam, the ceremonial inauguration graced by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Kandula Durgesh, Ambassador of the European Union to India, Herve Delphin, and Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, Sanjoy K. Roy, underscoring Avakai’s ambition to position Andhra Pradesh as a global cultural destination. Opening performances include Her Frames, Her Fire by Omaggio Performing Company, rooted in Andhra’s Kuchipudi legacy, followed by The Music, Masti and the Magic, a musical created exclusively for Avakai, directed by Sanjoy K. Roy and choreographed by Gilles Chuyen, blending cinematic storytelling with iconic Telugu compositions.

The programme further features Katha Kalakshepam by StoryHour UK, rooted in Telugu folklore, Rasa United by Vanashree Rao presenting Kuchipudi dance theatre, Mehfil e Sukhan, a classical Urdu mushaira curated by Rakhshanda Jalil featuring leading contemporary poets including Azhar Iqbal, Iqbal Ashhar, Khushbir Singh Shaad, Dr Nusrat Mehdi, Dr Mrunalini, Popular Meruthi, Saif Nizami and Sardar Saleem, and Aaj Rang Hai, a special collaboration featuring the legendary Nizami Bandhu with the Anirudh Varma Collective. Hands-on workshops with master practitioners, including Tuhon Aditya Roy, Nathoo Lal Solanki, Shameem and Gilles Chuyen, encourage learning and cultural exchange, while live performances by Javed Ali, Chowraasta, and Jammers add a major musical highlight.

The festival will also host a series of thought-provoking conversations and sessions with leading voices from cinema, literature and journalism. Pure Evil: Anti Heroes of Cinema features bestselling crime writer S. Hussain Zaidi, acclaimed filmmaker Sudhir Mishra and Yandamuri Veerendranath, moderated by senior journalist Balaji Vittal, exploring the psychology and cultural relevance of anti heroes in Indian cinema. The programme also includes Abhilasha- From Novel to Screen, featuring filmmaker A. K. Reddy and Yandamuri Veerendranath, examining storytelling, creativity and purpose across cinema and literature, alongside other discussions on mythology, music, poetry and contemporary narratives.

Chandrababu Naidu said, “Andhra Pradesh is proud to present Avakai, a festival that celebrates our rich cultural heritage through literature, cinema and the performing arts, bringing artists and audiences together on the banks of the river Krishna, creating a vibrant space for creativity and learning. Avakai strengthens Vijayawada and Andhra Pradesh's position as a primary destination for the arts and reflects the state’s commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity and public engagement across all forms of cultural expression.”

Kandula Durgesh said, “Avakai reflects our vision to position culture as a strong pillar of tourism and public engagement in Andhra Pradesh. By bringing together cinema, literature, music and performance on a single platform, the festival celebrates the depth of our artistic traditions while embracing contemporary creative expression. It strengthens Vijayawada’s emergence as a cultural destination and reinforces our commitment to promoting cultural tourism and expanding public access to arts and culture across the state.”

Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture, said, “Avakai has been structured as a comprehensive cultural initiative that integrates multiple art forms with public spaces and community participation. Spread across prominent riverfront locations, the programme brings together dialogue, performance and learning in an inclusive format. Such initiatives are vital for preserving cultural heritage while enabling contemporary creativity and building a sustainable cultural ecosystem aligned with long-term tourism and creative economy goals.”

Amrapali Kata, Chief Executive Officer, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, said, “Avakai has been designed to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s cultural and creative strengths through a multidisciplinary programme spanning cinema, literature and the performing arts. The Festival presents the state’s cultural narrative within a distinctive riverfront setting while encouraging engagement from diverse audiences. It supports tourism development by offering cultural experiences rooted in local traditions and relevant to present-day audiences.”