Hyderabad: The Telangana state government has expanded its recognition of cinematic excellence by instituting a new set of awards named after six iconic figures from the Telugu film industry. These awards, announced on Friday by the Gaddar Awards jury committee, aim to celebrate contributions across various domains of filmmaking.
Veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna has been selected for the prestigious NTR National Film Award, while acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam will receive the Paidi Jairaj Film Award. Director Sukumar has been honoured with the B.N. Reddy Film Award for his contributions to contemporary Telugu cinema.
The Nagireddy–Chakrapani Film Award will be presented to veteran producer Atluri Poornachandra Rao. Actor Vijay Deverakonda has been named the recipient of the Kantha Rao Film Award, and celebrated author Yandamoori Veerendranath will be honoured with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Film Award.
The announcement was made by jury chairman Murali Mohan, who stated that these honours, in conjunction with the newly introduced Gaddar Awards, are intended to acknowledge both emerging and established talents while commemorating the legacy of legendary figures in Telugu cinema.