Hyderabad is set to host one of the most anticipated film events of the year as the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards (TGFA) take place on March 19, 2026. The ceremony will be held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, bringing together some of the biggest names from the Telugu film industry.
Organized by the Telangana government, the awards aim to honor outstanding achievements in films released during 2025. The event coincides with Ugadi, adding cultural significance and festive spirit to the occasion. Named after revolutionary poet Gaddar, the TGFA reflects the state’s commitment to celebrating cinema that resonates with both artistic and social values.
This year’s awards feature a competitive lineup of nominees across major categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor. Several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films are expected to dominate the nominations, with performances from leading stars drawing particular attention. Industry discussions suggest that a mix of large-scale productions and content-driven films will be recognized, highlighting the diversity of Telugu cinema in 2025.
The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards winners were announced ahead of the grand ceremony scheduled for March 19, 2026, coinciding with the festive occasion of Ugadi. Instituted by the Telangana government, these awards celebrate excellence in Telugu cinema for films released in 2025, while also honoring legendary contributions to Indian cinema.
This year, Raju Weds Rambai emerged as the biggest winner, securing the Best Film award, along with recognition for its director Sailu and playback singer Anurag Kulkarni. The socially resonant Dhandoraa followed closely, earning the Second Best Film award and accolades for actor Shivaji and music director Mark K Robin. Meanwhile, The Great Pre-Wedding Show* claimed the Third Best Film title and brought attention to young talent, including child actor Rohan Roy.
Among the acting categories, Naga Chaitanya was honored as Best Actor for his performance in Thandel, while Rashmika Mandanna received the Best Actress award for The Girlfriend. Supporting roles were equally recognized, with Shivaji and Bhumika taking home top honors in their respective categories.
The awards also highlighted achievements across technical and thematic categories. Films like Mirai dominated the technical sections, winning awards for cinematography and editing, while Thandel was recognized as the Best National Integration Film. Other notable winners included Court for its social message, Igua for environmental awareness, and Anaganagana as the Best Children’s Film.
Special Jury Awards were presented to films and emerging talents that stood out for their unique storytelling and performances, including 23 and actors such as Chaitu Jonnalagadda and Ananthika. These recognitions reflect the awards’ commitment to encouraging fresh voices in the industry.
A major highlight of the ceremony is the presentation of prestigious lifetime and special honors. Megastar Chiranjeevi will be conferred with the NTR National Award, while veteran actress Jayasudha will receive the ANR Award. Legendary figures such as Kamal Haasan and director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao are also among those being honored for their lifelong contributions to cinema.
While the official winners will be announced during the ceremony, expectations are already high. Strong performances, innovative storytelling, and technical excellence are likely to receive top honors. A major highlight of the evening is expected to be the special recognition of megastar Chiranjeevi for his enduring contribution to Indian cinema, a moment anticipated to draw widespread attention.
As Hyderabad prepares for the event, the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2026 promise a night of glamour, recognition, and cultural pride, further strengthening the city’s position as a major hub of Indian cinema.
