**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Culture has launched “VM Frames,” a National Filmmaking Competition to commemorate 150 years of the national song, *Vande Mataram*. This initiative invites citizens to interpret the song’s spirit through contemporary visual storytelling across three categories: Reels, AI-based films, and Short Films. Submissions must be completed by May 7, 2026, with total prize money amounting to ₹50 lakh.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Competition Overview**
* **Purpose:** To celebrate the 150th anniversary of *Vande Mataram*, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and its role in India's freedom movement and cultural identity.
* **Categories:** The competition is divided into three distinct formats: Reels, AI-based Films, and Short Films.
* **Core Themes:** Participants are encouraged to focus on patriotism, unity, cultural identity, and the vision of a "New India."
**Award Structure**
* **Total Prize Pool:** ₹50 lakh distributed across the three categories.
* **Short Films Category:** First Prize (₹15,00,000), Second Prize (₹12,00,000), Third Prize (₹10,00,000).
* **AI Films Category:** First Prize (₹5,00,000), Second Prize (₹3,00,000), Third Prize (₹1,50,000).
* **Reels Category:** First Prize (₹1,50,000), Second Prize (₹1,00,000), Third Prize (₹50,000).
**Participation and Timeline**
* **Eligibility:** Open to all citizens, with a specific call to filmmakers, creators, and young citizens.
* **Deadline:** The last date for submission is May 7, 2026.
* **Official Portal:** Detailed information and submissions are handled through vandemataram150.in.
**Impact Analysis**
**Citizens and Young Creators**
**Impact**
They are provided a national platform to showcase creative talents and contribute to India's cultural expression while competing for significant monetary rewards.
**Action Required**
Interested participants must create content aligned with the specified themes and submit their entries via the official website by the May 7, 2026, deadline.
**Ministry of Culture and Collaborative Partners (States, UTs, Indian Missions)**
**Impact**
These entities are tasked with anchoring and facilitating a year-long nationwide commemoration to rekindle national pride and honor the legacy of *Vande Mataram*.
**Action Required**
Coordinate the "VM Frames" competition and related commemorative activities to ensure global and nationwide engagement.
Key Entities Referenced
VM Frames: A national filmmaking competition launched to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the National Song through visual storytelling categories including Reels, AI-based films, and Short Films.
Ministry of Culture: The primary government ministry anchoring the competition and coordinating the year-long nationwide commemoration of Vande Mataram.
Vande Mataram: The National Song of India, whose 150-year anniversary serves as the core theme and occasion for the filmmaking initiative.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay: The author of the song Vande Mataram, whose historical and cultural contribution is the central subject of the filmmaking competition.
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Culture Launches “VM Frames”
National Filmmaking Competition to Mark 150
Years of Vande Mataram
Posted On: 22 APR 2026 5:31PM by PIB Delhi
As part of the nationwide commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram, the Ministry of Culture,
Government of India, has announced the launch of “VM Frames” – a National Filmmaking
Competition inviting citizens to creatively interpret the spirit of the National Song through visual
storytelling.
The year 2025 marks 150 years of Vande Mataram, a defining symbol of India’s freedom movement and
cultural identity. This milestone is being observed through a year-long commemoration anchored by the
Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with States, Union Territories, Ministries, Indian Missions abroad,
and citizens across the world. Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Vande Mataram holds a
distinguished place in India’s historical and cultural consciousness. The song’s messaging of the
motherland as the Divine Feminine inspired generations during the freedom struggle and continues to
resonate with the spirit of the nation.
About VM Frames
“VM Frames” seeks to engage filmmakers, creators, and citizens in reimagining the ethos of Vande
Mataram through contemporary formats. The competition is open across three categories:
Reels
AI-based Films
Short Films
Participants are encouraged to reflect themes of patriotism, cultural identity, unity, and the vision of a
progressive New India.
Awards & Recognition
The competition offers awards worth up to ₹50 lakh, structured as follows:
Reels Category
First Prize: ₹1,50,000
Second Prize: ₹1,00,000
Third Prize: ₹50,000
AI Films Category
First Prize: ₹5,00,000
Second Prize: ₹3,00,000
Third Prize: ₹1,50,000
Short Films CategoryFirst Prize: ₹15,00,000
Second Prize: ₹12,00,000
Third Prize: ₹10,00,000
Participation Details
Last Date for Submission: 7 May 2026
More Information: vande mataram150.in
A Call to the Nation
Through VM Frames, the Ministry invites citizens especially young creators to participate in this national
tribute and contribute to a collective cultural expression that bridges India’s historical legacy with its
contemporary creative voice.
As India celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram, this initiative aims to rekindle pride in the nation’s
shared heritage and inspire a renewed connection with the ideals that shaped its freedom and continue to
define its future.
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M Annadurai
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