After a gap of 14 years, the awards made a grand return, and the ceremony will be held on June 14 at Hitex in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad: The prestigious Gaddar Awards were announced for Telugu cinema, celebrating the best films and talents from 2014 to 2023. After a gap of 14 years, the awards made a grand return, and the ceremony will be held on June 14 at Hitex in Hyderabad.

‘Kalki’ was named Best Film, while ‘Pottel’ and ‘Lucky Bhaskar’ were awarded the Best Second Film and Best Third Film, respectively. Allu Arjun bagged the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in Pushpa 2, and Nivetha Thomas was the Best Leading Actress for Chinna Katha Kadu, while Nag Ashwin was named Best Director for Kalki.

In total, 1248 films were nominated, and the awards were finalised after careful review. A total of 21 individuals received special jury and individual awards, including Best Director, Best Actor, and various technical categories. Several awards were also announced in the names of Telugu cinema legends like NTR, Paidi Jayaraj, BN Reddy, Nagireddy-Chakrapani, Kantha Rao and Raghupathi Venkaiah.

Speaking to media persons, jury chairperson Jayasudha said the awards were announced without heeding to any pressure or bias.

“They are selected transparently. The State awards always motivate us to perform well,” Jayasudha said.

Debut Directors Celebrate Recognition

Young directors expressed joy over their recognition. Yadu Vamsi, director of Committee Kurrollu, won Best Debut Director and Best Social Film. He shared,

“I’m feeling grateful and happy for winning this prestigious award. It belongs to my whole team because only with their hard work and involvement, we achieved this. I also thank the Telangana government for encouraging and recognising new talents like us.”

Another debutant, Anji Babu, director of AAY, which won the Wholesome Entertainment Award, said,

“I am extremely happy to receive this award. After 14 years, the Gaddar Awards are back, and our film receiving one is a wholesome moment for me. My producer, Bunny Vas sir is also very happy. I am truly thankful to the Telangana government.”

Other Major Winners:

Best Screenplay: Venky atluri (lucky bhaskar)

Best Comedians: Vennela kishore, satya

Best Supporting ActoR: SJ SURYAH (Saripodhaa Sanivaaram)

Special Jury Award (Male): Overseer Salman (Lucky Bhaskar)

Special Jury Award (Female): Ananya (Rooster)

Best Supporting Actress: Sharanya (Ambajepeta Marriage Band)

Best Story Writer: Shiva Paladugu (Music Shop Murthy)

Best Children’s Film: 35 chinna katha kaadu

Best Child Actors: Arun dev (35 chinna katha kaadu), haarika (mercy killing)

Best Heritage Film: Razakar

Music and Technical Awards:

Best Music Director: Bhems (razakar)

Best Singer (MALE): SID Sriram (Ooru Peru Bhairavakona)

Best Singer (Female): Shreya Ghoshal (Pushpa 2)

Best Lyricist: Chandrabose (Raju Yadav)

Best Cinematographer: Vishwanath Reddy (Gami)

Best Studiographer: Arvind Menon (Gami)

Best Editor: Naveen Nooli (Lucky Bhaskar)

Best Choreographer: Ganesh Acharya (Devara Ayudha Pooja)

Best Action Choreographer: Chandrasekhar Rathod (Gangster)

Best Art Director: Adnitin Jihani Chowdhury (Kalki)