Allu Arjun Honoured for 'Pushpa 2' at Gaddar Telangana Film Awards

The Telugu film industry turned out in full force on Saturday night as the first edition of the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards unfolded in Hyderabad. Held at Hitex and backed by the Telangana government, the ceremony was a tribute to the late revolutionary poet Gaddar and marked the state’s revived commitment to celebrating its cinematic legacy.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, joined by deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and cinematography minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, presented the awards alongside Film Development Corporation chair Dil Raju. Each winner was conferred a cash prize of ₹5 lakh and a citation.

Headlining the honours was Allu Arjun, who took home Best Leading Actor for his role in Pushpa 2: The Rule. Kalki 2898 AD swept multiple categories, with director Nag Ashwin winning Best Director and the film itself clinching Best Feature. Nivetha Thomas was awarded Best Leading Actress for 35 Chinna Katha Kadu.

Allu Arjun with Nandamuri Balakrishna at TGFAs

Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam received the Paidi Jairaj Film Award for his contribution to Indian cinema, while Nandamuri Balakrishna was honoured with the NTR National Film Award. Director Sukumar received the BN Reddy Film Award, and Vijay Deverakonda was recognised with the Kantha Rao Film Award. The Raghupathi Venkaiah Film Award went to writer Yandamuri Veerendranath.

Here is the full list of awardees:

Best Director: Nag Ashwin – Kalki 2898 AD
Best Leading Actor: Allu Arjun – Pushpa 2: The Rule
Best Leading Actress: Nivetha Thomas – 35 Chinna Katha Kadu
Best Feature Film: Kalki 2898 AD
Second Best Feature Film: Pottel – Dir. Sahit Mothkuri
Third Best Feature Film: Lucky Baskhar – Dir. Venky Atluri
Best Supporting Actor: SJ Suryah – Saripodhaa Sanivaaram
Best Supporting Actress: Saranya Pradeep – Ambajipeta Marriage Band
Best Music Director: Bheems Ceciroleo – Razakar
Best Male Playback Singer: Sid Sriram – Ooru Peru Bhairavakona
Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal – Pushpa 2: The Rule
Best Story Writer: Siva Paladugu – Music Shop Murthy
Best Screenplay Writer: Venky Atluri – Lucky Baskhar
Best Lyricist: Chandra Bose – Raju Yadav
Best Cinematographer: Vishwanath Reddy – Gaami
Best Editor: Navin Nooli – Lucky Baskhar
Best Audiographer: Aravind Menon – Gaami
Best Choreographer: Ganesh Acharya – Devara
Best Art Director: Nitin Zihani Choudhary – Kalki 2898 AD
Best Action Choreographer: Chandra Shekar Rathod – Gangster
Best Costume Design: Archana Rao & Ajay Kumar – Kalki 2898 AD
Best Makeup Artist: Nalla Seenu – Razakar
Best Children’s Film: 35 Chinna Katha Kadu
Best Film on Environment, Heritage, or History: Razakar
Best Film on National Integration & Social Uplift: Committee Kurrollu
Best Debut Director: Yadu Vamsi – Committee Kurrollu
Best Wholesome Entertainment Film: Aay
Best Comedian: Satya and Vennela Kishore – Mathu Vadalara 2
Best Child Artists: Arun Dev – 35 Chinna Katha Kadu, Haarika – Mercy Killing

Special Jury Awards:

Dulquer Salmaan – Lucky Baskhar

Ananya Nagalla – Pottel

Sujith and Sandeep – KA

Prashanth Reddy and Rajesh Kallepalli – Raju Yadav

Jury Special Mention: Faria Abdullah – Mathu Vadalara 2