Hyderabad: The prestigious Telangana Gaddar Film Awards were presented in a grand ceremony at Hitex, Hyderabad, on Saturday evening. The event was attended by a host of film and political luminaries, including Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, who graced the occasion as chief guests.
Organised under the patronage of key figures in the Telugu film industry, the awards honoured talent across cinema, literature, and culture. Celebrities including top Tollywood actors and actresses were present. Winners received cash awards and mementos from the chief guests.
Veteran actor Murali Mohan, who chaired the jury committee from 2014–2023, was felicitated by the Deputy CM and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy. Other jury members including directors Dasharath, DVK Raju, Uma Maheshwara Rao, Vanaja Uday, Kuchipudi Venkat, Madhura Sreedhar, Jayasudha, and actress Uha were also honoured with golden mementos.
The Telangana government also announced a Rs 3 crore grant to the Gaddar Foundation. Composer MM Keeravani gave a live performance of the patriotic anthem “Jaya Jaya He,” adding fervour to the celebrations.
Ganesh Acharya received the Best Choreographer Award for his work in Devara, presented by actresses Jayasudha, Jayaprada, and Suhasini. K. Chandrasekhar Rathod won Best Action Choreographer for Gangster. Comedians Satya and Vennela Kishore bagged the Best Comedian award for Mathu Vadalara 2, each receiving ₹2.5 lakh in prize money along with mementos and certificates.
Sharanya Pradeep won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Ambajipeta Marriage Band, receiving ₹3 lakh. Awards were also presented to films such as Committee Kurrallu, Aye, 35 Chinna Katha Kaadhuche, and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram.
In the 2024 honours, Kalki 2898 AD was awarded Best Film, Pottel was named Second Best Film, and Lucky Bhaskar received Third Best Film. Director Nag Ashwin was honoured as Best Director for Kalki 2898 AD. Actor Allu Arjun won Best Actor for Pushpa 2, and Nivetha Thomas received Best Actress for 35 Chinna Katha Kaadhu, both presented by CM Revanth Reddy.
The prestigious NTR National Award was conferred upon Nandamuri Balakrishna. The event concluded on a spirited note with several actors enthusiastically chanting “Jai Telangana,” drawing loud cheers from the audience.