Celebrating Tollywood’s 2026 Gaddar Award Winners: Stellar Performances, Cultural Gems & Patriotic Triumphs
The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2026, honoring 2025 releases, spotlighted remarkable Telugu cinema achievements at a glittering Hyderabad ceremony. Key winners included stellar performances and innovative films, blending emotion, culture, and storytelling flair.
The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2026 proved a dazzling tribute to Tollywood’s finest, honoring the groundbreaking films and performances of 2025 in a star-studded Hyderabad gala. From emotional highs to cultural milestones, the ceremony celebrated cinema’s power to unite, inspire, and reflect Telangana’s vibrant spirit. Stars like Naga Chaitanya and Rashmika Mandanna lit up the stage, while innovative features like Raju Weds Rambai and Thandel underscored the industry’s bold storytelling evolution.
This follow-up feature dives into the marquee wins, spotlighting six standout categories that defined the night. Each accolade highlights artistic excellence, from riveting acting triumphs to films championing national integrity and regional pride. As Tollywood continues its pan-India ascent, these awards reaffirm its role in weaving heartfelt narratives that resonate globally, blending tradition with contemporary flair for audiences craving authenticity and importance.
Best Actor: Naga Chaitanya (Thandel)
Naga Chaitanya’s riveting portrayal in Thandel clinched him the Best Actor honor, marking his first state award amid fierce competition from stars like Balakrishna and Nani. His intense emotional depth and commanding screen presence transformed a challenging role into a career-defining triumph, captivating audiences with raw authenticity and nuanced power. This victory underscores his evolution into a versatile powerhouse, elevating Tollywood’s narrative standards. act.
Best Actress: Rashmika Mandanna (The Girlfriend)
Rashmika Mandanna shone as Best Actress for her heartfelt role in Rahul Ravindran’s romantic drama The Girlfriend, released November 2025. Her emotional layers and magnetic charm delivered a performance of profound vulnerability, resonating deeply post her recent wedding. The emotional onstage moment with mother-in-law Madhavi Deverakonda added heartfelt magic, affirming Rashmika’s rise as a pan-India icon of grace and intensity.
Best Feature Film: Raju Weds Rambai
Raju Weds Rambai, directed by Saailu Kampati, swept Best Feature Film for its poignant true-story adaptation, blending rustic charm with universal themes of love and resilience. The film’s raw authenticity and masterful direction captured hearts, earning widespread acclaim for celebrating Telangana’s spirit. This triumph highlights independent cinema’s power to inspire, proving bold narratives can rival blockbusters in impact and emotional resonance.
Second Best Feature Film: Dhandoraa
Dhandoraa secured Second Best Feature Film with its vibrant storytelling and cultural vibrancy, delivering a fresh take on tradition-meets-modernity. The ensemble cast, led by Shivaji’s stellar support, wove humor and heart into a tapestry of regional pride. This accolade celebrates its innovative spirit, enriching Tollywood’s diverse voices and reminding us of cinema’s role in preserving heritage with contemporary flair.
Third Best Feature Film: The Great Pre-Wedding Show
The Great Pre-Wedding Show earned Third Best Feature Film for its lavish, satirical lens on wedding extravagance, blending glamour with sharp social commentary. Innovative visuals and witty narrative captured modern festivities’ chaos and joy, resonating with urban audiences. This recognition applauds its bold creativity, showcasing how festive spectacles can spark meaningful reflections on culture and excess.
Best Film on National Integrity: Thandel
Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya, triumphed as Best Film on National Integrity for its gripping tribute to unity and sacrifice. Weaving patriotism with personal valor, it masterfully highlighted national bonds amid adversity, earning cheers for its inspirational depth. This award salutes its timely message, reinforcing cinema’s power to foster pride and solidarity across India’s diverse tapestry.
