Rashmika, Dheekshithh win Ugadi Puraskar for ‘The Girlfriend’

The Sri Kala Sudha Telugu Association conferred top honours on actors Rashmika Mandanna and Dheekshithh at its 28th Annual Ugadi Puraskar awards, recognising their performances in the film The Girlfriend .

Rashmika Mandanna was named Best Actress, while Dheekshithh received the Best Villain award, highlighting the film’s strong performances and growing critical acclaim.

Beyond individual honours, The Girlfriend has emerged as a notable awards contender this season. The film has also been recognised with the prestigious Gaddar Award, among other accolades, further cementing its impact in recent Telugu cinema. While full details of all award categories are yet to be officially disclosed, industry observers note that the film’s success across platforms reflects its strong narrative, character depth, and audience reception.

The Girlfriend is a relationship-driven drama that explores emotional complexities, interpersonal conflicts, and darker shades of human behaviour. Rashmika Mandanna’s performance has been widely appreciated for its intensity and nuance, while Dheekshithh’s portrayal of the antagonist has drawn attention for its layered execution.

The Ugadi Puraskaralu, presented annually by the Sri Kala Sudha Telugu Association, recognise excellence across cinema, arts, literature, and social service. Founded in 1998, the association has played a significant role in promoting Telugu culture and honouring achievers from diverse fields. Though not a state-run film awards body, the Ugadi Puraskar has increasingly included cinema categories, making it a notable cultural platform for recognising film talent.

With multiple awards, including the Ugadi honours and the Gaddar Award, The Girlfriend continues to build momentum in the awards circuit, underscoring its growing footprint in contemporary Telugu cinema.