The 70th edition of the Filmfare Awards South, in association with Kerala Tourism, marked a jubilant milestone for Telugu cinema, celebrating a year characterized by grandeur, compelling storytelling, and memorable performances. The awards ceremony honored both commercial successes and critical acclaim, reflecting the industry’s vibrant diversity.
Top Honors and Winners:
- Best Film: Pushpa 2: The Rule
- Best Director: Sukumar (Pushpa 2: The Rule)
- Best Film (Critics): Lucky Baskhar (Venky Atluri)
- Best Actor (Male): Allu Arjun (Pushpa 2: The Rule)
- Best Actor (Critics): Teja Sajja (Hanu-Man)
- Best Actress (Female): Nivetha Thomas (35 Chinna Katha Kaadu)
- Best Actress (Critics): Kajal Aggarwal (Satyabhama)
- Best Supporting Actor: Amitabh Bachchan (Kalki 2898 AD)
- Best Supporting Actress: Anjali (Gangs of Godavari)
- Best Music Album: Devi Sri Prasad (Pushpa 2: The Rule)
- Best Lyrics: Ramjogayya Sastry (“Chuttamalle” from Devara: Part 1)
- Best Playback Singer (Male): Sri Krishna (“Kurchi Madathapetti” from Guntur Kaaram)
- Best Playback Singer (Female): Shilpa Rao (“Chuttamalle” from Devara: Part 1)
- Best Choreography: Sekhar Master (“Kurchi Madathapetti” from Guntur Kaaram)
- Best Debut Director: Yadhu Vamsi (Committee Kurrollu)
- Best Debut Male: Sandeep Saroj (Committee Kurrollu)
- Best Debut Female: Nayan Sarika (Gam Gam Ganesha)
- Best Production Design: Nitin Zihani Choudhary (Kalki 2898 AD); Ramakrishna & Monika (Pushpa 2: The Rule)
The awards season was dominated by Pushpa 2: The Rule, which secured top honors in key categories, underscoring its significant impact on Telugu cinema. Meanwhile, films like Lucky Baskhar, Hanu-Man, and 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu showcased the industry’s rich storytelling talent, ensuring a diverse and vibrant celebration of cinematic excellence.