Kalki 2898 AD wins film of the year - Tollywood takes over Dadasaheb Phalke Awards

Telugu cinema emerged as the big winner at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, held in Mumbai on Wednesday night, sweeping several top honours across major categories.

Nag Ashwin’s futuristic epic Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, was crowned Film of the Year, marking another milestone for the Telugu film industry on the national stage. The film’s ambitious storytelling and visual scale earned widespread acclaim, reinforcing Tollywood’s growing influence in Indian cinema.

Superstar Allu Arjun bagged the award for Most Versatile Actor for his powerhouse performance in Pushpa 2: The Rule, one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The film’s celebrated composer Devi Sri Prasad was honoured with Best Music Director for his pulsating and emotionally charged soundtrack.

Meanwhile, acclaimed actress Sai Pallavi was named Most Versatile Actress, recognised for her impactful portrayals across multiple films that showcased her range and authenticity.

The glittering event brought together stars and filmmakers from across the country, celebrating excellence in cinema while highlighting the artistic and technical prowess of Telugu filmmakers. With Kalki 2898 AD and Pushpa 2 leading the way, the awards night underscored Telugu cinema’s growing prominence on both national and international platforms.