Hyderabad: “Kalki 2898 AD” ran away with top honors at this year’s Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, setting the tone for a night that celebrated both cinematic craft and revolutionary spirit. The awards were announced Thursday in Hyderabad by actress-politician Jaya Sudha, paying tribute to the legacy of Gaddar and spotlighting the evolving pulse of Telugu cinema.
The ambitious sci-fi epic, directed by Nag Ashwin Singi Reddy, grabbed the First Best Feature Film title, with Ashwin also taking Best Director. Its sleek visuals and futuristic storytelling helped land wins for Adnithin Zihani Choudary (Art Direction) and the design duo Archana Rao and Ajay Kumar (Costumes).
Second Best Feature went to “POTTEL”, with Ananya Nagalla earning a Special Jury mention for her lead role. “Lucky Bhasker” rounded out the top three, pulling in praise for editor Navin Nooli and writer Venky Atluri. Dulquer Salmaan also picked up a Special Jury Award for his performance in the film.
In the acting categories, Allu Arjun was named Best Leading Actor for “Pushpa 2”, while Nivetha Thomas took Best Leading Actress for her work in “35-Chinna Katha Kadu”. SJ Surya was recognized for his intense role in “Saripoda Sanivaram”, and Saranya Pradeep won Best Supporting Actress for “Ambajipeta Marriage Band”.
Child actors Master Arundev Pothula and Baby Harika shared the spotlight, winning Best Child Artist for their roles in “35-Chinna Katha Kadu” and “Mercy Killing”. “35-Chinna Katha Kadu” also picked up Best Children’s Film, underscoring its emotional impact.
Music-wise, Bheems Ceciroleo won Best Music Director for “Razakar”. Playback honors went to Sid Sriram (“Ooru Peru Bhairavakona”) and Shreya Ghoshal (“Pushpa 2”), while lyricist Chandrabose was recognized for his work in “Raju Yadav”.
The night also tipped its hat to action and comedy. K Chandra Shekar Rathod earned Best Action Choreographer for “Gangster”. Comedians Satya and Vennela Kishore were jointly honored for “Mattu Vadalara 2”, which also landed a special jury shoutout for Faria Abdullah’s rap act.
“Gaami” made its presence felt with Vishwanath Reddy (Cinematography) and Aravind Menon (Audiography) both winning in their categories. Choreographer Ganesh Acharya was awarded for the energetic “Ayudha Puja” number from “Devara”.
Best Story Writer went to Siva Paladugu for “Music Shop Murthy”. Additional jury honors were given to Sujith and Sandeep for “Ka”, and the “Raju Yadav” team of Prashanth Reddy and Rajesh Kallepally.
Films with a social message weren’t left out. “Committee Kurrollu” won for National Integration and Social Uplift, with director Yedu Vamsee also named Best Debut Director. “Razakar” was honored in the Environment, Heritage, and History category, while “Aay… Mem Friends Andi” was declared Best Wholesome Entertainment Film.
More than a trophy haul, GTFA 2024 felt like a nod to stories that carry weight to the kind of filmmaking that doesn’t just entertain, but moves the needle.