Amaravati fete of cinema, culture, literature to be held from Jan 8 to 10

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Government on Monday said they will host 'Avakai: Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature, a distinctive public cultural initiative that marks a new chapter for cinema and literary festivals in India for three days from January 8.

Moving beyond conventional indoor formats, Avakai unfolds across the Krishna riverfront at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island, transforming public spaces into sites of cultural exchange and creative dialogue. 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 N Chandrababu Naidu, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, and produced by Teamwork Arts, thefestival 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.

Annoucing this here on Monday, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Tourism Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain and APTDC Managing Director Amarapali Kata told the media that 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 Naidu, Minister 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.