Telangana Gaddar Film Awards Ceremony Held Grandly in Hyderabad
Inaugural Gaddar Telangana Film Awards: A New Era in Tollywood
June 14, 2025, at Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, the ceremony marked the revival of state-sponsored film awards in Telangana after a 14-year hiatus. It commemorates quality cinema produced since the state’s formation in June 2014
The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards ceremony unfolded in grandeur at HICC, Hyderabad, marking a significant return after a 14-year hiatus. This prestigious event recognized the best films released since the formation of Telangana state on June 2, 2014.
In a celebration that brought together cinema’s biggest stars and political dignitaries, several notable figures from the Telugu film industry were in attendance, including Nandamuri Balakrishna, Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda, directors Sukumar and Mani Ratnam, and actresses Suhasini, Jayaprada, and Jayasudha.
One of the highlights of the evening was the warm and affectionate hug exchanged between Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and star actor Allu Arjun, which drew significant attention and applause from the audience.
The awards ceremony not only celebrated cinematic excellence but also served as a tribute to the late balladeer Gaddar, whose name symbolizes revolutionary art and cultural activism in Telangana. The event marked a renewed commitment to honoring regional talent and acknowledging the transformative journey of Telugu cinema post-statehood.
Ceremony Highlights
- Star-Studded Gathering: The event saw the attendance of Tollywood icons—Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda, Nandamuri Balakrishna, directors like Sukumar, Mani Ratnam, S.S. Rajamouli, Suhasini, Jayaprada, Jayasudha—and state dignitaries including CM Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, and FDC chairman Dil Raju
Emotional Moment: A heartwarming moment took center stage when CM Revanth Reddy embraced Allu Arjun, signaling warmth and support from the stateBeyond Recognition: Alongside awards, announcements were made regarding policy: Telangana aims to become a major film hub with a single-window clearance for shoots, a liaison officer via the TFDC, and the development of a film city to boost tourismMajor Winners & Honorees
Top Films
- Best Feature Film: Kalki 2898 AD (Nag Ashwin)
2nd Best Feature Film: Pottel (Sahit Mothkuri)
3rd Best Feature Film: Lucky Baskhar
Best Actress: Nivetha Thomas (35 Chinna Katha Kaadu)
Special & Legacy Awards
- NTR National Film Award: Nandamuri Balakrishna
Paidi Jairaj Film Award (Indian cinema contribution): Mani Ratnam
Raghupathi Venkaiah Award (non-actor Telugu personality): Yandamuri Veerendranath
B. N. Reddy Award (Telugu director honor): Sukumar
Nagireddy & Chakrapani Award (producer/technician): Atluri Purnachandra Rao
Kantha Rao Award (Telugu artist): Vijay DeverakondaRead Also: Subham Movie Review
- Best Feature Film: Kalki 2898 AD (Nag Ashwin)
