In a landmark decision, the Telangana government has officially launched the Gaddar Awards, a prestigious new initiative dedicated to honoring excellence in the Telugu film industry. This initiative replaces the erstwhile Nandi Awards, which were last given out in 2012. Named after the revolutionary folk singer and balladeer Gaddar (Gummadi Vithal Rao), these awards aim to celebrate cinematic brilliance.
The first-ever Gaddar Awards ceremony is set to take place in April 2025, marking the beginning of a decade-long commitment to recognizing outstanding contributions to Telugu cinema.
For nearly a decade, the Telugu film industry has been without state-sponsored awards, leaving filmmakers and artists without formal recognition from the government. The newly launched Gaddar Awards seek to fill this void by acknowledging artistic and technical excellence across various categories. The Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC) has been entrusted with overseeing the awards process and ensuring transparency in selection.
The TFDC has released an official notification inviting entries from filmmakers across multiple categories, reflecting the diverse storytelling landscape of Telugu cinema. The key categories include:
1) Feature Films
2) National Integration Film
3) Children’s Film
4) Film on Environment, Heritage, or History
5) Debut Feature Film
6) Animated Film
7) Social Impact Film
8) Documentary Films
Apart from these main categories, special awards will be conferred in honor of legendary celebrities Paidi Jayaraj and Kanta Rao, who played pivotal roles in shaping the early days of Telugu cinema. In addition, films released between 2014 and 2023—a period during which state-sponsored awards were absent—will also be considered for retrospective honors.
The application process for the Gaddar Awards is set to open on March 13, 2025. Filmmakers can submit their entries at the TFDC office in Hyderabad, and the judging panel will include a mix of industry veterans, film scholars, and cultural experts to ensure a fair and merit-based selection process.
Speaking on the occasion, TFDC Chairman Dil Raju emphasized the importance of reviving state honors, stating, “Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has approved the modalities to bring back state recognition to Tollywood. The Gaddar Awards will be a grand celebration of our industry’s talent and creativity, beginning this Ugadi.”
The Telangana government has allocated Rs. 10 crore for the awards in the 2025-26 budget, signaling its strong commitment to supporting the film industry. The funds will be used for organizing the awards ceremony, prize money, and promotional activities to establish the Gaddar Awards as a prestigious annual event.
While the announcement has been largely welcomed by the Telugu film fraternity, there have been mixed reactions from certain sections of the industry. Many filmmakers and actors have expressed enthusiasm over the revival of state recognition, which they believe will encourage artistic innovation and inspire young filmmakers. However, some have voiced concerns over potential political influence in the selection process, given that Gaddar—despite being a celebrated cultural icon—had no direct association with cinema. Critics argue that a film industry award should be named after a cinematic legend rather than a political activist and folk singer.
Nonetheless, supporters of the initiative highlight Gaddar’s deep cultural influence, emphasizing that his songs, poetry, and revolutionary themes have played a significant role in Telugu storytelling. They argue that his name symbolizes the intersection of art, activism, and the voice of the common people, making him a fitting figure for an award that celebrates cinema’s power to shape society.
With the first edition of the Gaddar Awards set to debut in 2025, expectations are high for this new initiative to become a landmark annual event for the Telugu film industry.
As the Telugu film industry continues to expand its global footprint, the Gaddar Awards could serve as a significant platform to promote regional storytelling, highlight socially relevant cinema, and reinforce Telangana’s cultural identity on the national and international stage.
With its strong financial backing, broad category representation, and a commitment to excellence, the Gaddar Awards have the potential to usher in a new era of cinematic recognition and celebration in Telugu cinema.