Nag Ashwin, Allu Arjun, Shreya Ghoshal Win Big at Gaddar Film Awards 2025
The Telangana government has announced the winners of the prestigious Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2025, honouring excellence in Telugu cinema. Leading the winners were Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin, actor Allu Arjun, actress Nivetha Thomas, and singer Shreya Ghoshal, who all bagged top awards in their respective categories.
The state-organised awards, named after revolutionary poet and activist Gaddar, aim to celebrate artistic achievements that reflect the spirit and cultural ethos of Telangana. The awards jury, chaired by veteran actress and politician Jayasudha, unveiled the full list of honourees ahead of the grand ceremony scheduled to be held on June 14 at HITEX, Hyderabad.
Director Nag Ashwin won Best Director for his work on the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, a highly anticipated film starring Prabhas and Deepika Padukone. The film also won First Best Feature Film, cementing its status as a cinematic milestone.
Allu Arjun was named Best Leading Actor for his performance in Pushpa 2: The Rule, further solidifying his superstar status following the massive success of the Pushpa franchise. Nivetha Thomas received the Best Leading Actress award for her moving performance in 35 Chinna Katha Kadhu, a film that also bagged the Best Children’s Film award.
Among the musical honourees, Shreya Ghoshal won Best Female Playback Singer for her soulful rendition in Pushpa 2: The Rule, while Sid Sriram took home Best Male Playback Singer for his song in Ooru Peru Bhairavakona. Bheems Ceciroleo was named Best Music Director for the film Razakar, which also won in the category of Feature Film on Environment, Heritage, and History.
The awards also recognised socially relevant cinema. Committee Kurrollu, a film promoting national integration and social harmony, won in the category of Feature Film on National Integration, Communal Harmony, and Social Uplift, while its director, Yadhu Vamsi, was awarded Best Debut Film Director.
Other major awards included:
- Second Best Feature Film: Pottel
- Third Best Feature Film: Lucky Baskhar
- Best Supporting Actor: SJ Suryah (Saripodhaa Sanivaaram)
- Best Supporting Actress: Sharanya Pradeep (Ambajipeta Marriage Band)
- Best Wholesome Entertainment Film: Aay
Announcing the awards earlier this month, Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the state government was committed to honouring the legacy of Gaddar and encouraging films that reflect social values, community culture, and regional pride.
“Gaddar took Telangana’s cultural ideology to the global stage,” he said. “These awards not only honour cinematic excellence but also preserve the voice of the people.”
The awards ceremony on June 14 is expected to attract some of the biggest names in Telugu cinema and promises to be a grand celebration of talent, storytelling, and Telangana’s growing impact on Indian cinema.
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