Months after 'Pushpa 2' stampede row, Telangana picks Allu Arjun as best actor for state awards

In an intriguing development, the Telangana government has selected 'Icon Star' Allu Arjun as the best actor for his role in Pushpa 2 for the state government's Gaddar Telangana Film Awards (GTFA) for the year 2024. This recognition comes months after Arjun was arrested by Telangana police in connection with his alleged role in causing a stampede during his film's screening, which resulted in a woman's death.

The actor spent a night in jail in December last year, leading to significant backlash against the Revanth Reddy government from Arjun fans. At that time Tollywood actor Allu Arjun refuted claims that he acted irresponsibly during the screening of his Pushpa 2 movie at Sandhya Theatre, which resulted in a stampede that killed a woman on December 4 last year.

“I am truly honoured to receive the first Best Actor award for #Pushpa2 at the #GaddarTelanganaFilmAwards 2024. Heartfelt thanks to the Government of Telangana for this prestigious honour . All credit goes to my director Sukumar garu, my producers, and the entire Pushpa team. I dedicate this award to all my fans , your unwavering support continues to inspire me,” said Allu Arjun on X.

Notably these are the first official state-level film awards since Telangana's formation, ending a prolonged hiatus that began after the last Nandi Awards were presented in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh in 2011.

Nandi awards are now named as GFTA. The awards ceremony recognizes excellence in Telugu cinema within the newly formed state. Other notable winners include Nivetha Thomas, acclaimed singer Shreya Ghoshal, and the film Kalki 2898 AD, which received top honors at the state awards.

The jury, chaired by veteran actor Jayasudha, announced the complete list of winners on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka recently announced that the government will present the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards on June 14, with the ceremony expected to take place at HITEX in Hyderabad.

Jayasudha said the jury received 1,248 nominations for the awards in 11 categories. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy last year announced that Nandi awards for excellence in Telugu cinema will be revived and renamed after revolutionary poet and balladeer Gaddar, who passed away in 2023.

Kalki 2898 AD has bagged the best feature film award while Pottel and Lucky Bhaskar were declared second and third best feature films respectively.

Nivetha Thomas has been adjudged as the best leading actress for ’35-Chinna Katha Kadu’. SJ Surya bagged the best supporting actor award for ‘Saripoda Sanivaram’ while Saranya Pradeep received the best supporting actress award for her performance in Ambajipeta Marrige Band.

Nag Ashwin Singi Reddy got the best director award for Kalki 2898 AD. Bheems Ceciroleo adjudged best music director for Razakar.

Sid Sriram has been picked as the best male playback singer for the song ‘Nizame Ne Chebutunna’ from the film ‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona’. Shreya Goshal has been selected as the best female playback singer for the song ‘Suseti Aggi Ravva’ from Pushpa 2.

The jury picked Satya and Vennela Kishore for best comedian award for the film Mattu Vadalara-2.

Venky Atluri was selected as the best screenplay writer for Lucky Bhaskar while Siva Paladugu for best story writer for Music shop Murthy.