Telangana State Gaddar Awards Unveil the Best of Telugu Cinema: ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, Allu Arjun, and Nivetha Thomas Shine
Hyderabad, Telangana – After a long wait, the Telangana State Film Awards—now renamed the Gaddar Awards in honor of the legendary revolutionary poet and lyricist Gaddar—are making a celebrated return. Set to be held on June 14 in Hyderabad, the awards recognize excellence in Telugu cinema across multiple categories, from blockbuster entertainment to socially conscious storytelling.
The 2024 edition honors a wide array of films, artists, and technicians who left a mark on audiences and critics alike over the past year. Here are the highlights from this year’s prestigious winners’ list:
Top Feature Film Awards
Best Film: Kalki 2898 AD
Second Best Film: Pottel
Third Best Film: Lucky Bhaskar
Best Film on National Integration: Committee Kurrollu
Best Children’s Film: 35 Chinna Katha Kai
Best Heritage/Environment Film: Razakar
Best Entertainment Film: Aay… Mem Friends Andi
Best Debut Director: Sri Yedu Vamsi (Committee Kurrollu)
Major Individual Honors
Best Director: Nag Ashwin (Kalki 2898 AD)
Best Actor: Allu Arjun (Pushpa 2)
Best Actress: Nivetha Thomas (35 Chinna Katha Kai)
Best Supporting Actor: SJ Suryah (Saripoda Samadhi)
Best Supporting Actress: Saranya Pradeep (Ambajipet Marriage Band)
Best Child Actors: Arundev Potula (35 Chinna Katha Kaadi), Haarika (Mercy Killing)
Music & Technical Categories
Best Music Director: Bheems Ceciroleo (Razakar)
Best Playback Singer (Male): Sid Sriram – “Nijama Ne Piyakwana” (Uru Peru Bhairavkona)
Best Playback Singer (Female): Shreya Ghoshal – “Suseki Aggi Ravva” (Pushpa 2)
Best Comedians: Satya & Vennela Kishore (Mattu Vadalara 2)
Best Story Writer: Shiva Paladugu (Music Shop Murthy)
Best Screenplay Writer: Venky Atluri (Lucky Bhaskar)
Best Lyricist: Chandrabose (Raju Yadav)
Craft Excellence
Best Cinematography: Vishwanath Reddy (Gami)
Best Editing: Naveen Nooli (Lucky Bhaskar)
Best Audiography: Aravind Menon (Gami)
Best Choreography: Ganesh Acharya (Devara, “Ayudha Pooja”)
Best Art Direction: Adnithin Jihani Chowdhury (Kalki 2898 AD)
Best Action Choreography: K. Chandrasekhar Rathod (Gangster)
Best Makeup: Nalla Srinu (Razakar)
Best Costume Design: Archana Rao & Ajay Kumar (Kalki 2898 AD)
Special Jury Recognitions
Dulquer Salmaan (Lucky Bhaskar)
Ananya Nagalla (Pottel)
Sujith & Sandeep (Ka)
Prashanth Reddy & Rajesh Kallepalli (Raju Yadav)
Special Mention: Faria Abdullah (Mattu Vadalara 2 – “Drama Nakko Mama – Rap”)
Cinema Literature Award
Best Book on Telugu Cinema: Mana Cinema First Reel by Rentala Jayadeva
The Gaddar Awards, named after a figure known for inspiring social consciousness through his words, continue to carry forward the legacy of celebrating creativity, resistance, and excellence in Telugu cinema. This year’s winners not only reflect cinematic brilliance but also resonate with themes of national integration, social justice, and innovation—true to the spirit of Gaddar.
