The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2024 took place on a memorable Saturday evening, June 14, 2025, at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre. This vibrant ceremony provided a platform to honor the rich cinematic talent in the Telugu film industry. Among the stars who stood out was Allu Arjun, who won the prestigious Best Actor award for his remarkable performance in Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Receiving the award directly from Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Allu Arjun’s win highlighted not only his dedication to his craft but also set the tone for a night filled with celebration and recognition. Arjun has become a household name, and his performance in Pushpa solidified his status as a superstar.
The ceremony included various categories, acknowledging talents across the industry. Nivetha Thomas won the Best Actress award for her remarkable role in 35: Chinna Katha Kaadu, while director Nag Ashwin took home the Best Director award for his ambitious project Kalki 2898 AD. It is significant to note the diverse range of films and performances that were celebrated, showcasing the dynamic nature of Telugu cinema.
The event was not just about awards; it was a star-studded affair that welcomed several prominent names from the industry. Figures like Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vijay Deverakonda, and celebrated directors such as S. S. Rajamouli and Mani Ratnam graced the occasion. Their presence added glamour and prestige to the evening.
Among other notable awards, the Best Children’s Film was won by the heartwarming title, 35 Chinna Katha Kadu, reinforcing the importance of dining into family-friendly cinema. The award for the Best Wholesome Entertainment Film went to Aay.. Mem Friends Andi, indicating that humor and warmth hold a special place in the hearts of audiences.
Special jury awards acknowledged the outstanding contributions of various artists, with Sri Dulquer Salmaan taking home an award for his performance in Lucky Baskhar. In total, the jury identified several performers worthy of recognition, including Prashanth Reddy and Rajesh Kallepally for their efforts in Raju Yadav, showcasing a wide array of talent within the industry.
The awards also recognized technical prowess, highlighting the Best Music Director, which went to Sri Bheems Ceciroleo for his work in Razakar, as well as honoring some of the best playback singers in the industry. Sid Sriram won the award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song Nizame Ne Chebutunna, while Shreya Ghoshal picked up the Best Female Playback Singer award for her captivating song Suseti Aggi Ravva from Pushpa 2.
Other notable winners included Sri Satya and Sri Vennela Kishore for Best Comedian, and Master Arundev Pothula alongside Baby Harika, both of whom garnered recognition as the Best Child Artist for their respective contributions. The artistic categories also showcased some impressive and creative talent, with awards for Best Choreographer going to Ganesh Acharya for his work in Devara.
Addressing the audience, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy spoke about the importance of collaboration within the film industry for future growth. He urged everyone to set aside previous differences and unite for the development of Telangana’s cinema scene. The state government views the revival of these awards as a significant opportunity to recognize and honor the artistic achievements within Telugu films.
This year’s event is particularly poignant as it marks the first dedicated award ceremony for the Telugu film industry since Telangana gained statehood in 2014. The revival by the Revanth Reddy-led government is meant to honor the late Gaddar, a revolutionary figure whose legacy continues to inspire the artistic community.
With the successful hosting of the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2024, the Telugu film industry has reaffirmed its place as a significant contributor to Indian cinema. The night was not just about remembering the talents of yesterday, but it also paved the way for the stars of tomorrow, emphasizing growth, development, and continuity in storytelling through cinema. As the industry continues to evolve, events like these not only highlight individual efforts but also facilitate a greater collective ambition aimed at elevating Telugu films on a national scale.
The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2024 was a fitting tribute to a vibrant community that continues to thrive and innovate, ensuring that the legacy of artistic expression remains ever-present.
