Director Praveen Sattaru, who was disappointed with the box-office prospects of his National Award-winning Telugu drama "Chandamama Kathalu", said the prestigious honour came at the right time and boosted his morale.
At the 62nd National Film Awards announced on Tuesday, "Chandamama Kathalu" was adjudged the best Telugu film.
"We expected the film to do well financially, but it didn't. I was slightly disappointed. But the National Award, which has come at the right time in my career, is a big morale booster," Sattaru told IANS.
"My faith has been reinforced courtesy the award. I'll continue doing good films and stop worrying about box-office returns," he said.
Featuring an ensemble cast of Lakshmi Manchu, Krishnudu, Richa Panai, Chaitanya Krishna, Aamani and Naresh, the film is an emotional story about experiences that make up life.