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The ”’Telangana Gaddar Film Awards”’ (”’TGFA”’), also referred to as ”’Gaddar Telangana Film Awards”’, are annual film awards instituted in 2025 by the [[Government of Telangana]] to honour excellence in [[Telugu cinema]]. They are presented through the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC) and recognise both recent films and works from earlier years following the formation of [[Telangana]] state in 2014. These awards replace [[Nandi Awards]] presented by erstwhile [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]]. Winners were said to be chosen by jury members who only partially watched a few films that were nominated for the award.
The ”’Telangana Gaddar Film Awards”’ (”’TGFA”’), also referred to as ”’Gaddar Telangana Film Awards”’, are annual film awards instituted in 2025 by the [[Government of Telangana]] to honour excellence in [[Telugu cinema]]. They are presented through the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC) and recognise both recent films and works from earlier years following the formation of [[Telangana]] state in 2014. These awards replace [[Nandi Awards]] presented by erstwhile [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]].
The award has attracted criticism on its launch, including naming of the award, manner of selection of the winners by jury members and conferring awards to propaganda films.
== History and background ==
== History and background ==
To counter to the State government’s Gaddar Film Awards, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has decided to present its own film awards. Criticism was also made towards naming the awards after Gaddar, “It was not right to change the name of Nandi Awards to Gaddar Awards. Whether one likes it or not, Gaddar promoted Naxalism and fought against the State. There could have been one award in his name. Nandi was an ideal name without any controversy,” a Telugu film producer stated.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Telangana and Telugu Filmdom are on the war path; industry launches its awards|url=https://www.siasat.com/telangana-and-telugu-filmdom-are-on-the-war-path-industry-launches-its-awards-3177077/|website=The Siasat Daily|date=2025-02-07|access-date=2026-01-24|language=en|first=C. R. Gowri|last=Shanker}}</ref>
To counter to the State government’s Gaddar Film Awards, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has decided to present its own film awards. Criticism was also made towards naming the awards after Gaddar, “It was not right to change the name of Nandi Awards to Gaddar Awards. Whether one likes it or not, Gaddar promoted Naxalism and fought against the State. There could have been one award in his name. Nandi was an ideal name without any controversy,” a Telugu film producer stated.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Telangana and Telugu Filmdom are on the war path; industry launches its awards|url=https://www.siasat.com/telangana-and-telugu-filmdom-are-on-the-war-path-industry-launches-its-awards-3177077/|website=The Siasat Daily|date=2025-02-07|access-date=2026-01-24|language=en|first=C. R. Gowri|last=Shanker}}</ref>
The winners in 2025 were said to be chosen based on “whims and fancies,” with jury members only partially watching a few films that were nominated for the award.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rayasam |first1=Raj |title=Telangana Gaddar Film Awards: Jury didn’t even watch all films before picking winners! |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/telangana/telangana-gaddar-film-awards-jury-didnt-even-watch-all-entires-before-picking-winners/ |access-date=21 December 2025 |publisher=South First |date=17 June 2025}}</ref>
The winners in 2025 were said to be chosen based on “whims and fancies,” with jury members only partially watching a few films that were nominated for the award.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rayasam |first1=Raj |title=Telangana Gaddar Film Awards: Jury didn’t even watch all films before picking winners! |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/telangana/telangana-gaddar-film-awards-jury-didnt-even-watch-all-entires-before-picking-winners/ |access-date=21 December 2025 |publisher=South First |date=17 June 2025}}</ref>
Awarding the film [[Razakar (film)|”Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad”]] (2024) in Best Feature Film in History category on its inaugural ceremony also drew criticism as the film was widely seen as a “vehicle for right-wing propaganda.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Minhaz |first=Ayesha |date=2025-06-20 |title=Awarding ‘Razakar’: Congress Faces Backlash Over Controversial Choice at Telangana Gaddar Film Awards |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/arts-and-culture/cinema/telangana-gaddar-awards-razakar-controversy-congress-bjp/article69716729.ece |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Frontline |language=en}}</ref>
== References ==
== References ==
Annual film awards by the Government of Telangana
The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards (TGFA), also referred to as Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, are annual film awards instituted in 2025 by the Government of Telangana to honour excellence in Telugu cinema. The awards are named in tribute to the revolutionary Telugu poet and balladeer Gaddar. They are presented through the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC) and recognise both recent films and works from earlier years following the formation of Telangana state in 2014. These awards replace Nandi Awards presented by erstwhile Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The award has attracted criticism on its launch, including naming of the award, manner of selection of the winners by jury members and conferring awards to propaganda films.
History and background
[edit]
Hyderabad, Telangana is the home to Telugu cinema. It was earlier part of the state of Andhra Pradesh which presented Nandi Awards. However, following the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, the newly formed state of Telangana did have its own state film awards.[1]
Efforts to revive the awards date back to 2017. Government of Telangana, led by then Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of Telangana Rashtra Samithi, did not want to retain the erstwhile Nandi Awards, and mulled to present a new award. Deviating from the previous tradition of presenting the award on the festival of Ugadi, it was to be awarded on the festival of Dasara. The then cinematography minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav announced that the names such as Nemali, Simham, Kakatiya Kala Toranam and Palapitta are being considered for the annual film awards.[1][2] However, the plans of instituting award did not materialize.[3]
On 1 February 2024, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of Indian National Congress, who replaced Chandrashekar Rao, formally announced the new Telangana State film awards.[4][5] The awards are named in tribute to the revolutionary Telugu poet and balladeer Gaddar, celebrating regional cultural identity and artistic contributions.[6] In March 2024, a committee was formed with B. Narsing Rao as Chairman, and Dil Raju as Vice-chairman to frame guidelines for the awards.[7]
Dil Raju, chairman of Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC), announced the awards will be given for films released in 2024 and also retrospectively recognise the best films from 2014 to 2023, to make up for the absence of Government-backed film awards since Telangana’s formation.[8]
The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards memento features a golden hand clutching a traditional dappu, wrapped with a film reel. The award designer, Ramavath Nayak, explained that “The hand signifies the people’s power to shape their lives and the dappu represents the beat of revolution, of collective justice. And the film reel ties it all to the power of storytelling through cinema.”[9]
- Every year, Telangana Film Development Corporation (TGFDC) invites entries for Telugu-language films censored and certified by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 to December 31 of the year previous to the one in which the awards to be announced.[10][11]
- All films in Telugu Language produced around the globe including films produced by any Government agencies under all the categories will be eligible for awards.[10]
- A separate jury is constituted by the Government of Telangana with Chairman and Managing Director of Telangana Film Development Corporation Limited as the Member – Convener of the Committee for selection of awards.[10] The jury for the inaugural TGFA was chaired by veteran actress Jayasudha.[8]
Awards are given across 35 categories, honouring the excellence in Telugu cinema and Telugu theatre.[12][13] The awards cover a wide spectrum: feature films, technical categories (direction, acting, cinematography, etc.), special categories (such as best children’s film, best film on heritage or environment), and honorary lifetime achievement awards.[14][15] Urdu language films are also included for the first time in the Feature Film category.[16] Awards are presented in the following categories:[10][11]
These awards are presented by Government of Telangana, based on the recommendations of the jury. Special awards carry a cash prize of ₹10.00 lakh, memento, and citation.
- NTR National Award for an eminent Film Artist for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the Indian cinema
- Paidi Jairaj Film Award for an eminent Film Personality (other than Film Artist) for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the Indian Cinema
- BN Reddy Film Award for an eminent Film Director for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the Telugu Cinema
- Nagireddy and Chakrapani Film Award for an eminent Film Producer for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the Telugu Cinema
- Kantha Rao Film Award for an eminent Telugu Film Artist for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema
- Raghupathi Venkaiah Film Award for an eminent film personality (other than artist) for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema
- C. Narayana Reddy Award for an eminent Poet, writer for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Telugu cinema
- Best Feature Film – Gold, Silver and Bronze
- Best Feature Film in Urdu Language
- Best Feature Film on National Integration, Communal Harmony and Social Uplift of Depressed Classes
- Best Film on Environment / Heritage / History
- Best Debut Feature Film – Director
- Best Wholesome Entertainment Film (Dr. M. Prabhakar Reddy Uttama Prajadharana Chitram)
- Best Feature Film on Social Messaging
- Best Animation Film
- Best Special Effects Film
- Best Children’s Film
Individual awards for artists and technicians
[edit]
- Best Director
- Best Leading Actor
- Best Leading Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Music Director
- Best Male Playback Singer
- Best Female Playback Singer
- Best Comedian
- Best Child Artist
- Best Story Writer
- Best Screenplay Writer
- Best Lyricist
- Best Cinematographer
- Best Editor
- Best Audiographer
- Best Choreographer
- Best Art Director
- Best Action Choreographer
- Best Make Up Artist
- Best Costume Designer
- Special Jury Award (4 No.s)
- First Best Documentary Film
- Second Best Documentary Film
- Third Best Documentary Film
- Diploma of merit for Documentary Film
- First Best Short Film
- Second Best Short Film
- Third Best Short Film
- Diploma of merit for Short Film
Books / Articles on Telugu Cinema
[edit]
- Best Book on Telugu Cinema
- Best Critic on Telugu Cinema
The inaugural event of Telangana Gaddar Film Awards took place on 14 June 2025 at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The event was attended by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Minister for Cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and producer Dil Raju, chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TGFDC).[17]
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party criticized naming the Awards after Gaddar, who was a former maoist ideologue. “It sets a bad precedent. How is Gaddar, who followed a path of violence against elected governments, related to the film industry and its artistes? Why will actors and technicians be proud to hold on to an award that is named after such a person,” said BJP spokesperson Krishna Sagar Rao. However, the Congress Party defended, saying, “Gaddar is a cultural icon. Telangana’s history is richer by his name and his contribution.”[18]
To counter to the State government’s Gaddar Film Awards, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has decided to present its own film awards. Criticism was also made towards naming the awards after Gaddar, “It was not right to change the name of Nandi Awards to Gaddar Awards. Whether one likes it or not, Gaddar promoted Naxalism and fought against the State. There could have been one award in his name. Nandi was an ideal name without any controversy,” a Telugu film producer stated.[19]
The winners in 2025 were said to be chosen based on “whims and fancies,” with jury members only partially watching a few films that were nominated for the award.[20] Lack of members from Telangana in the jury was also pointed out, as the majority of the 2025 jury members were from Andhra Pradesh.[21]
Awarding the film Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad (2024) in Best Feature Film in History category on its inaugural ceremony also drew criticism as the film was widely seen as a “vehicle for right-wing propaganda.”[22]
- ^ a b archive, From our online (21 January 2017). “Come Dasara, Telangana to give its own film awards”. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ^ “Simha’ top name for Telangana film awards”. Deccan Chronicle. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ^ “With no Nandi Awards for years; the reputation of the Telugu Film Industry will be at stake: Committee”. The Times of India. 8 March 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ^ “CM announces annual awards to artistes, poets and film personalities in the name of Gaddar”. The Hindu. 31 January 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ^ Service, Express News (1 February 2024). “Gaddar Awards will replace Nandis: CM Revanth”. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ^ Sudhir, T. S. (11 December 2024). “Opinion: Revanth Reddy, KCR and the politics of reinventing Telangana Talli”. India Today. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ^ “Telangana Govt frames guidelines for Gaddar Cine Awards”. Deccan Chronicle. 13 March 2025. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ^ a b “Telangana’s Gaddar Awards to honour a decade of films, Dil Raju shares details”. India Today. 13 March 2025. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- ^ Sharma, Mahi (20 July 2025). “Creating the Gaddar Award demanded cultural sensitivity and historical insight, says the artist”. The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ^ a b c d “TELANGANA GADDAR FILM AWARDS (TGFA) REGULATIONS” (PDF). Telangana Film Development Corporation Limited. 2025. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ^ a b “TGFA Invites Entries for Telangana Gaddar Film Awards for 2025”. Deccan Chronicle. 20 January 2026. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ^ “First edition of Gaddar Telangana Film Awards announced, Kalki 2898 AD selected as the best feature film”. The Hindu. 29 May 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ^ “‘Bahubali’ ‘RRR’ chosen for Telangana govt’s ‘Gaddar Film Awards’“. The Week. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ^ “Telangana Gaddar Film Awards | Celebrate Telugu Excellence”. Telangana Gaddar Film Awards. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- ^ “Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2024 full list of winners: Kalki 2898 AD wins best film, Allu Arjun wins best actor”. Hindustan Times. 29 May 2025. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- ^ Eaty, Neelima (11 March 2025). “Telangana Govt to include Urdu films in Gaddar Cinema Awards for first time”. Hyderabad Mail. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- ^ Shaik, Saba Anjum (14 June 2025). “Telugu Films Stand Tall: Revanth”. www.deccanchronicle.com. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ^ “Row over Telangana Film Awards named after Gaddar as BJP, Cong trade fireworks”. The Indian Express. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ^ Shanker, C. R. Gowri (7 February 2025). “Telangana and Telugu Filmdom are on the war path; industry launches its awards”. The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ^ Rayasam, Raj (17 June 2025). “Telangana Gaddar Film Awards: Jury didn’t even watch all films before picking winners!”. South First. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
- ^ “గద్దర్ అవార్డుల కమిటీలో.. తెలంగాణవాళ్లెక్కడ?”. vidhaatha.com (in Telugu). 17 April 2025. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
- ^ Minhaz, Ayesha (20 June 2025). “Awarding ‘Razakar’: Congress Faces Backlash Over Controversial Choice at Telangana Gaddar Film Awards”. Frontline. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
