Telugu Cinema Sweeps National Film Awards: Big Wins for Kalki and Pushpa 2!
NEW DELHI: In a historic moment for Tollywood, Telugu films secured a total of nine honors at the 72nd National Film Awards announced on July 18, 2026. Recognizing CBFC-certified releases from the 2024 calendar year, the 11-member jury chaired by acclaimed filmmaker Jayaraj spotlighted both pan-India blockbusters and indie narratives across technical and creative categories.
The announcement triggered celebrations across the Telugu film fraternity, with leading actors, directors, and production banners expressing pride in the industry's expanding national footprint.
Major Honors for Commercial Blockbusters and Indie Cinema
The awards list showcased significant achievements for both big-budget spectacles and content-driven storytelling:
- Kalki 2898 AD: Director Nag Ashwin's futuristic sci-fi epic produced by Vyjayanthi Movies won the prestigious award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Nitin Zihani Choudhary also clinched the National Award for Best Production Design for constructing the film's distinct worlds.
- Pushpa 2: The Rule: Director B. Sukumar bagged the National Award for Best Original Screenplay, while costume designers Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma were awarded Best Costume Design for their work on the blockbuster.
- Committee Kurrollu: Debutant director Yadhu Vamsi's nostalgic friendship drama, produced by Niharika Konidela, won the National Award for Best Telugu Feature Film. P. Ravi Kumar also earned the Best Make-Up Artist award for the film.
- 35 - Chinna Katha Kaadu: Directed by Nanda Kishore Emani, the film was named Best Children's Film, with child actor Arundev Pothula sharing the Best Child Artist honor.
- Lucky Baskhar: Director Venky Atluri secured the National Award for Best Dialogue Writer for the financial thriller starring Dulquer Salmaan.
Industry-Wide Celebrations
Following the official announcement by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, stars including Chiranjeevi, Allu Arjun, and Jr. NTR extended heartfelt congratulations to the awardees. Prominent leaders and production houses lauded the creators for demonstrating high technical standards and narrative depth on the national stage. The official presentation ceremony will be held in New Delhi later this year.