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Telugu Cinema Dominates 72nd National Film Awards With Nine Wins
The 72nd National Film Awards, announced on 18 July 2026, recognised films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the 2024 calendar year. The ceremony, held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, saw Telugu cinema secure nine awards, the highest tally among all Indian film industries.
Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD was honoured with the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The science‑fiction epic, released worldwide on 27 June 2024, also earned the award for Best Production Design for Nitin Zihani Choudhary. The film’s production designer was credited with creating the distinct worlds of Kasi, Shambala and the futuristic Complex, a detail highlighted by the jury.
In the same year, Pushpa 2: The Rule – the highest‑grossing Telugu film of 2024 – earned director B Sukumar the Best Original Screenplay award. The film’s costume department, led by Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma, received the Best Costume Design honour. Pushpa 2 was released on 5 December 2024 and grossed between ₹1,642 and ₹1,800 crore worldwide, making it the second‑highest‑grossing Indian film of the year.
Director Venky Atluri was awarded Best Dialogue Writer for his work on the blockbuster Lucky Baskhar, which stars Dulquer Salmaan. The film, released in 2024, was noted for its sharp dialogue and commercial appeal.
The National Award for Best Children’s Film went to 35‑Chinna Katha Kaadu, directed by Nanda Kishore Emani. The child actor Arundev received the Best Child Artist award for the same film, sharing the honour with Riddhiman Banerjee, Topomoy Deb, Gitashree Chakraborty (for Onko Ki Kothin) and Athish S Shetty (for Mithya).
A surprise winner was debut director Yadhu Vamsi’s Committee Kurrollu, a nostalgic tale that addresses class and caste divisions. Produced by Niharika Konidela, the film received the National Award for Best Telugu Film. P Ravi Kumar was honoured with Best Make‑Up Artist for his work on the same production.
The awards ceremony also recognised other regional and national categories. Article 370 received Best Feature Film, and the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) presented the awards following a panel’s selection process.
The Telugu film industry’s nine‑award haul underscores its commercial and artistic momentum in 2024. Kalki 2898 AD and Pushpa 2 were both box‑office leaders, while Lucky Baskhar and Committee Kurrollu demonstrated the sector’s capacity for diverse storytelling. The recognition of technical categories—production design, costume design, and make‑up—highlights the growing emphasis on high‑quality production values in Telugu cinema.
Industry insiders noted that the awards reflect a broader trend of South Indian films achieving national prominence. The NFDC’s announcement of the winners, coupled with the President’s presentation of the medals, marks a milestone for Telugu cinema’s visibility on the national stage.
Looking ahead, Kalki 2898 AD is already in production for a sequel featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan. Pushpa 2’s success has positioned the franchise for further installments. Committee Kurrollu is slated for a wider release in early 2025, and Lucky Baskhar will be screened at upcoming film festivals.
The 72nd National Film Awards have therefore not only celebrated the achievements of 2024’s Telugu productions but also set the stage for the industry’s continued growth and influence across India’s cinematic landscape.
Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD was honoured with the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The science‑fiction epic, released worldwide on 27 June 2024, also earned the award for Best Production Design for Nitin Zihani Choudhary. The film’s production designer was credited with creating the distinct worlds of Kasi, Shambala and the futuristic Complex, a detail highlighted by the jury.
In the same year, Pushpa 2: The Rule – the highest‑grossing Telugu film of 2024 – earned director B Sukumar the Best Original Screenplay award. The film’s costume department, led by Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma, received the Best Costume Design honour. Pushpa 2 was released on 5 December 2024 and grossed between ₹1,642 and ₹1,800 crore worldwide, making it the second‑highest‑grossing Indian film of the year.
Director Venky Atluri was awarded Best Dialogue Writer for his work on the blockbuster Lucky Baskhar, which stars Dulquer Salmaan. The film, released in 2024, was noted for its sharp dialogue and commercial appeal.
The National Award for Best Children’s Film went to 35‑Chinna Katha Kaadu, directed by Nanda Kishore Emani. The child actor Arundev received the Best Child Artist award for the same film, sharing the honour with Riddhiman Banerjee, Topomoy Deb, Gitashree Chakraborty (for Onko Ki Kothin) and Athish S Shetty (for Mithya).
A surprise winner was debut director Yadhu Vamsi’s Committee Kurrollu, a nostalgic tale that addresses class and caste divisions. Produced by Niharika Konidela, the film received the National Award for Best Telugu Film. P Ravi Kumar was honoured with Best Make‑Up Artist for his work on the same production.
The awards ceremony also recognised other regional and national categories. Article 370 received Best Feature Film, and the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) presented the awards following a panel’s selection process.
The Telugu film industry’s nine‑award haul underscores its commercial and artistic momentum in 2024. Kalki 2898 AD and Pushpa 2 were both box‑office leaders, while Lucky Baskhar and Committee Kurrollu demonstrated the sector’s capacity for diverse storytelling. The recognition of technical categories—production design, costume design, and make‑up—highlights the growing emphasis on high‑quality production values in Telugu cinema.
Industry insiders noted that the awards reflect a broader trend of South Indian films achieving national prominence. The NFDC’s announcement of the winners, coupled with the President’s presentation of the medals, marks a milestone for Telugu cinema’s visibility on the national stage.
Looking ahead, Kalki 2898 AD is already in production for a sequel featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan. Pushpa 2’s success has positioned the franchise for further installments. Committee Kurrollu is slated for a wider release in early 2025, and Lucky Baskhar will be screened at upcoming film festivals.
The 72nd National Film Awards have therefore not only celebrated the achievements of 2024’s Telugu productions but also set the stage for the industry’s continued growth and influence across India’s cinematic landscape.
