HYDERABAD: The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards-2025 presentation ceremony is being held in Hyderabad on March 19, 2026, coinciding with Ugadi celebrations.
The event has drawn film personalities, cultural figures and political leaders to honour achievements in Telugu cinema.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy are attending the function as chief guests. Several prominent actors and filmmakers are also participating.
Ceremony honours legacy of singer-activist Gaddar
Speaking at the event, Gaddar's son Surya Kiran said many people who had worked with the late singer-activist were receiving awards. He said he was happy that leading personalities, including Chiranjeevi, were being honoured.
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He added that organising the Gaddar Awards on a grand scale was a matter of satisfaction.
Award winners express happiness over recognition received
Director Sai Marthand expressed happiness that his film "Little Heart" received an award. He thanked the awards jury for recognising his work.
Lyricist Suddala Ashok Teja said he was glad to receive the first award instituted in the name of C Narayana Reddy. He added that receiving the honour on Ugadi made it more special.
Director Gunasekhar said he was receiving the award for the second time and thanked the jury for selecting him. Actor Roshan said it was his first award as a lead actor and expressed happiness over receiving a state honour. He added that his film also won awards in art and costume categories and reflected Telangana nativity.
Major awards recognise films released during 2025
Winners were announced on March 7 by Film Development Corporation chairman Dil Raju, while special jury awards were declared by Tammareddy Bharadwaja.
"Raju Weds Rambai" won the Best Film award, while "Dandora" secured the Second Best Film honour. "Unity" received the award for Best Documentary.
Sailu Kampati was adjudged Best Director. Naga Chaitanya won the Best Actor award for "Thandel", while Rashmika Mandanna received Best Actress for "The Girlfriend". Anurag Kulkarni was named Best Playback Singer and Sai Marthand won Best Debut Director.
Veteran artistes and film personalities felicitated at ceremony
Chiranjeevi was conferred the N T Rama Rao National Award, while Kamal Haasan received the Paidi Jairaj Award. Musician Srinivasa Rao was honoured with the B N Reddy Award.
Producer Ashwini Dutt received the Nagi Reddy Chakrapani Award, actor Jayasudha was presented the Akkineni Nageswara Rao Award and R Narayana Murthy was selected for the Kantha Rao Award.
The ceremony, featuring cultural performances and entertainment programmes, is being telecast live.
Political criticism emerges over award selection process
Meanwhile, Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy alleged that several awards related to "Raju Weds Rambai" went to individuals from Andhra Pradesh, while Telangana talent was overlooked.
He said lyricist Mittapalli Surender and the film's lead actor were not recognised despite their contributions, raising questions about the selection process.
Awards introduced to promote Telugu cinema and storytelling
The Telangana government instituted the Gaddar Film Awards to replace the Nandi Awards and promote Telugu cinema. Named after singer-activist Gaddar, the honours aim to recognise creativity, talent and meaningful storytelling.
The current edition highlights the industry's growing reach and influence across national and global audiences.