The Gaddar Telangana Film Awards , instituted by the Telangana government in memory of revolutionary balladeer Gaddar, have been officially announced, honoring cinematic excellence across Telugu cinema.
The futuristic sci-fi epic “Kalki 2898 AD,” directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Prabhas, bagged the Best Film award, marking a major recognition for its ambitious storytelling and visual grandeur.
In a notable moment, Allu Arjun won the Best Actor award for his powerful performance as Pushpa Raj in Pushpa 2: The Rule. The award is particularly significant as it comes in the wake of recent controversies, including the stampede incident at a promotional event, which had stirred tension between the actor and the state government.
Nivetha Thomas was named Best Actress for her acclaimed role in 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu, winning praise for her nuanced and emotionally rich performance.
Director Nag Ashwin also took home the Best Director award, solidifying his reputation as one of the most visionary filmmakers in contemporary Indian cinema.
The jury, chaired by veteran actress and legislator Jayasudha, submitted the final list of awardees to the government earlier this week. Films like Pottel and Lucky Bhasker were named the second and third best films, respectively, showcasing a broad range of themes and genres being recognized.
The official awards ceremony is expected to take place in Hyderabad soon, with several film personalities, political leaders, and cultural icons likely to attend.
Best Film: Kalki 2898 AD
Second Best Film: Pottel
Third Best Film: Lucky Baskher
Best Film on National Integration and Communal Harmony: Committee Kurrollu
Best Film on Heritage/Environment: Razakar
Best Debut Film Director: Yedu Vamsee (Committee Kurrollu)
Dr.Prabhakar Reddy Best Wholesome Entertainment Film: Aay
Best Director: Nag Ashwin Singireddy (Kalki 2898 AD)
Best Leading Actor: Allu Arjun (Pushpa 2)
Best Leading Actress: Nivetha Thomas (35 Chinna Katha Kaadu)
Best Supporting Actor: SJ Suryah
Best Supporting Actress: Saranya Padeep (Ambajipeta Marriage Band)
Best Music director: Bheems Ceciroleo (Razakar)
Best Male Singer: Sid Sriram (“Nijame Cheptunna”/Ooru Peru Bhairavakona)
Best Female Singer: Shreya Ghoshal (“Sooseki”/Pushpa 2)
Best Comedian: Satya and Vennela Kishore (Mathu Vadalara 2)
Best Child Artist: Arundev Pothula and Baby Harika (35 Chinna Katha Kaadu & Mercy Killing)
Best Story Writer: Siva Paladugu (Music Shop Murthy)
Best Screenplay: Venky Atluri (Lucky Baskher)
Best Lyricist: Chandrabose (Raju Yadav)
Best Cinematographer: Vishwanath Reddy (Gaami)
Best Editor: Naveen Nooli (Lucky Baskher)
Best Audiographer: Aravind Menon (Gaami)
Best Choreographer: Ganesh Acharya (Ayudha Pooja/Devara)
Best Art director: Nitin Zihani Choudhary (Kalki 2898 AD)
Best Book: Mana Cinema First Reel by Rentala Jayadeva
Best Makeup: Nalla Srinu (Razakar)
Best Action Director: K Chandrasekhar Rathod (Gangster)
Best Costume Designer: Archana Rao and Ajay Kumar (Kalki 2898 AD)
Dulquer Salmaan (Lucky Baskher)
Ananya Nagalla (Pottel)
Sujeeth and Sandeep (Ka)
Prashanth Reddy and Rajesh Kallapally (Raju Yadav)
Faria Abdullah (Mathu Vadalara 2)