Telangana celebrates cinema: 2025 Gaddar film awards winners announced, to be honoured this Ugadi

In a sparkling celebration of Telugu cinema’s finest, the 2025 Telangana Gaddar Film Awards were announced this weekend by the Government of Telangana, bringing together stars, filmmakers and cultural icons to honour the year’s most compelling films and performances. Set to be presented at a glamorous ceremony on 19 March, Ugadi , the awards reflect both artistic prowess and broad creative vision that defined Telugu movies released from January 1 to December 31, 2025 .

The announcement lit up the industry with Naga Chaitanya winning Best Actor for his powerful turn in Thandel , while Rashmika Mandanna secured Best Actress for her captivating role in The Girlfriend . The acclaimed Raju Weds Rambai was named Best Film , with Dhandora and The Pre Wedding Show earning Second Best Film and Third Best Film respectively, showcasing the range of compelling storytelling that captivated audiences this year.

The awards lineup was rich with special category honours that celebrated cinema with purpose and impact. Thandel was recognised as National Integrity Film , while Igwa claimed Best Environmental Film . Emerging voices were celebrated with Best Debut Feature Film going to Little Hearts and Best Children’s Film to Anaganagana . Entertaining hits weren’t left out either, with Sankranthiki Vasthunnam winning Best Entertainment Film and Court taking Best Social Message Film . Mirai impressed with Best Special Effects Film .

Behind the scenes, creativity and craft were rewarded across the board. Best Director went to Sailu for Raju Weds Rambai , Best Supporting Actor to Shivaji and Best Supporting Actress to Bhumika. Musical brilliance was honoured with Best Music Director awarded to Mark K Robin for Dhandora , Best Male Playback Singer to Anurag for Raju Weds Rambai , and Best Female Playback Singer to Sahithi Chaganti for Kannappa . Laughter and youthful charm were celebrated as Best Comedian went to Krishna Teja for Jigrees and Best Child Actor to Rohan Roy for The Pre Wedding Show .

Technical excellence and storytelling mastery were recognised with Best Story Writer for Gunasekhar ( Euphoria ), Best Screenplay Writer for Anil Ravipudi, Best Lyricist for Nandakishore ( Kuberaa ), Best Cinematographer for Karthik Ghattamaneni and Best Editor for Sreekar Prasad, both for Mirai . A host of other crafts—sound, choreography, art direction, makeup and costume—were also honoured, underlining the collaborative artistry that goes into memorable filmmaking.

Special jury honours spotlighted remarkable performances and films outside the main competitive categories. 23 was named Best Special Jury Film , Best Male Actor – Jury went to Chaitu Jonnalagadda for Raju Weds Rambai , Best Actress to Ananthika for 8 Vasanthalu , and Special Jury Hero to Roshan for Champion .

The announcement also highlighted tributes to cinema legends whose enduring contributions have shaped Indian film culture. Veteran superstar Chiranjeevi was honoured with the NTR National Award , Paidi Jairaj Award went to Kamal Haasan, the ANR Award was bestowed on Jayasudha, and the B N Reddy Award recognised Director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. Producer Ashwini Dutt received the Nagireddy–Chakrapani Award and lyricist Suddala Ashok Teja earned the C Narayana Reddy Award .

Details of presenters and chief guests at the award ceremony have also been revealed, promising a night of starry celebration. The ceremony will be graced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka , who will present the top honours to winners and share the stage with leading figures from Tollywood and political circles. Anchoring the evening will be popular television hosts and industry personalities, ensuring entertainment and emotion go hand in hand.

This year’s lineup of winners and tributes underscores a vibrant and evolving Telugu film industry, blending blockbuster hits with meaningful cinema and outstanding artistry. As Tollywood prepares to gather in Hyderabad on Ugadi night, the 2025 Gaddar Film Awards promise a memorable celebration of storytelling, performance and cinematic excellence.