Jayasudha and Dil Raju Announce Gaddar Awards; Allu Arjun Named Best Actor

The Telangana State Government has announced the revival of its prestigious film honors under the new title "Gaddar Film Awards," named in memory of the people's balladeer Gaddar. The announcement was made by jury chairperson and renowned actress Jayasudha, who addressed the media alongside Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju on Thursday.

This marks the resumption of the state film awards after a gap of approximately 14 years. Jayasudha stated that a total of 1,248 nominations were received across various categories. The jury meticulously reviewed these entries to select the winners.

The awards cover films released between June 2014 and December 31, 2023, with a "Best Film" award presented for each year within this period. Additionally, films that completed censor certification during the same timeline were considered under various categories. For the year 2024, awards were announced across all segments.

Organizers highlighted that Urdu films, alongside Telugu cinema, were also given prominence in the award selection process.

In total, 21 individual and special jury awards will be presented, including honors for Best Director and Best Actors. Special lifetime achievement awards have also been instituted in recognition of legendary contributors to Telugu cinema. These awards are named after luminaries such as Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), Paidi Jayaraj, B. N. Reddy, Nagireddy-Chakrapani, Kantha Rao, and Raghupathi Venkaiah, according to Jayasudha and Dil Raju.

The date for the award presentation ceremony will be announced soon.

Among the major awardees announced for 2024:

First Best Film: Kalki 2898 AD

Second Best Film: Pottel

Third Best Film: Lucky Bhaskar

Best Actor: Allu Arjun (Pushpa 2)

Best Actress: Nivetha Thomas (35 Idi Chinna Katha Kaadu)

Best Director: Nag Ashwin (Kalki)

Best Supporting Actor: S. J. Suryah (Saripoda Shanivaram)

Best Supporting Actress: Saranya Pradeep (Ambajipeta Marriage Band)

Best Music Director: Bheems (Razakar)

Best Male Playback Singer: Sid Sriram for the song "Nijame Ne Chebuthunna" from Oori Peru Bhairavakona

Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal for the song "Sooseki Aggiravva Kallettite" from Pushpa 2

Best Comedians: Satya and Vennela Kishore (Mathu Vadalara 2)

Best Child Actors: Master Arun Dev (35 Idi Chinna Katha Kaadu), Baby Harika

Best Story Writer: Chandrabose (Raju Yadav)

Best Cinematographer: Vishwanath Reddy (Gaami)