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The Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC) has unveiled the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, a prestigious recognition celebrating the best in Telugu cinema from June 2014 to December 2023. This announcement, made on Friday, May 30, 2025, by TFDC managing director S. Harish and chairman V. Venkata Ramana Reddy (Dil Raju), marks a significant moment for the Telugu film industry. The awards encompass not only the best picture accolades but also six special awards, highlighting exceptional contributions to various aspects of filmmaking. These awards represent a comprehensive evaluation of the cinematic achievements over the past decade, acknowledging the creativity, innovation, and artistry that have defined Telugu cinema during this period. The selection process was meticulously overseen by a distinguished jury, chaired by the renowned actor-producer-businessman Murali Mohan, ensuring a fair and impartial assessment of the nominated films and individuals. The Gaddar Telangana Film Awards stand as a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Telugu film industry, recognizing its impact on both regional and national audiences. This initiative by the TFDC underscores its commitment to promoting and supporting the growth of Telugu cinema, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the industry. The awards ceremony, scheduled for June 14, promises to be a grand celebration of Telugu cinematic talent, bringing together filmmakers, actors, technicians, and industry stakeholders to honor the outstanding achievements of the past decade. The announcement has generated considerable excitement and anticipation within the Telugu film community, with many eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the award recipients and the opportunity to celebrate their contributions to the art of filmmaking. This recognition not only provides a platform for acknowledging past achievements but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of filmmakers, encouraging them to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of cinematic expression.
The year-wise awards, spanning from 2014 to 2023, provide a fascinating snapshot of the evolution and diversification of Telugu cinema. In 2014, the romantic comedy 'Run Raja Run' secured the top spot, followed by the socially relevant drama 'Paathshaala' and the action-comedy 'Alludu Seenu.' The year 2015 witnessed the historical epic 'Rudrama Devi' claiming the first position, with the war drama 'Kanche' and the family drama 'Srimanthudu' securing the second and third positions, respectively. The year 2016 saw the family entertainer 'Shathamanam Bhavati' emerging as the winner, followed by the romantic comedy 'Pelli Choopulu' and the action drama 'Janata Garage.' In 2017, the magnum opus 'Bahubali 2: The Conclusion' rightfully claimed the top spot, with the romantic drama 'Fidaa' and the war film 'Ghazi' securing the second and third positions, respectively. The year 2018 witnessed the biographical drama 'Mahanati' taking home the first prize, followed by the period action drama 'Rangasthalam' and the realistic drama 'C/o Kancharapalem.' The year 2019 saw the social drama 'Maharshi' emerging as the winner, with the sports drama 'Jersey' and the rural drama 'Mallesham' securing the second and third positions, respectively. In 2020, the family drama 'Ala Vaikuntapuramlo' claimed the top spot, followed by the romantic drama 'Colour Photo' and the comedy-drama 'Middle Class Melodies.' The year 2021 witnessed the pan-Indian sensation 'RRR' securing the first position, with the action drama 'Akhanda' and the romantic drama 'Uppena' securing the second and third positions, respectively. In 2022, the romantic drama 'Seetharamam' emerged as the winner, followed by the mystery thriller 'Karthikeya 2' and the biographical drama 'Major.' Finally, in 2023, the family drama 'Balagam' claimed the top spot, followed by the superhero film 'Hanuman' and the action drama 'Bhagavanth Kesari.' This diverse range of winning films reflects the breadth and depth of Telugu cinema, showcasing its ability to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
In addition to the year-wise awards, the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards also recognized exceptional talent through a series of special awards. The NTR National Film Award (Artiste) was bestowed upon Nandamuri Balakrishna, a veteran actor known for his powerful performances and charismatic screen presence. The Paidi Jairaj Film Award (Indian film personality) was awarded to Mani Ratnam, a celebrated director renowned for his visually stunning and emotionally resonant films. The BN Reddy Film Award (Telugu Film Director) was presented to B. Sukumar, a visionary director known for his innovative storytelling and technical prowess. The Nagireddy & Chakrapani Film Award (Telugu film producer) was awarded to Atluri Purna Chandra Rao, a prolific producer who has consistently supported quality Telugu cinema. The Kantha Rao Film Award (Telugu Artiste) was bestowed upon Vijay Devarakonda, a rising star known for his unconventional roles and impactful performances. Finally, the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award (other than film artiste Telugu) was awarded to Yandamuri Veerendranath, a renowned writer and motivational speaker who has made significant contributions to Telugu literature and culture. These special awards recognize individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also made a lasting impact on the Telugu film industry and beyond. Their contributions have enriched the cultural landscape of Telangana and have inspired countless aspiring filmmakers and artists. The presentation of these awards, along with the year-wise awards, promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant future of Telugu cinema. The decade's awards will be presented alongside the 2024 awards during the ceremony slated for June 14, creating a unique opportunity to honor both past achievements and current excellence in the field.
Source: Gaddar Telangana Film Awards from 2014 to 2023 announced