72nd National Film Awards: Telugu Cinema Shines with Nine Major Wins, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, ‘Pushpa 2’ Lead the Honours
July 18, 2026 Published by rajeshe092eb6a68
Telugu cinema made a powerful mark at the 72nd National Film Awards, winning nine awards across multiple categories and reaffirming its growing dominance in Indian cinema. From blockbuster entertainers to critically acclaimed films, the Telugu film industry earned recognition for outstanding storytelling, performances, writing, and technical excellence.
Leading the honours was Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, which won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award. The film also secured the Best Production Designer honour for Nithin Zihani Choudhary, celebrating its spectacular world-building and grand visual design.
Another major winner was Committee Kurrollu, produced by Niharika Konidela, which was named the Best Telugu Feature Film. The film also earned the Best Makeup Artist award, with P. Ravikumar being recognized for his exceptional work.
Sukumar’s Pushpa 2 added two more National Awards to its impressive journey. Sukumar won the Best Screenplay award for his engaging narrative, while Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma shared the Best Costume Designer award for creating the film’s distinctive and memorable looks.
Director Venky Atluri was honoured with the Best Dialogue Writer award for Lucky Baskhar, with his impactful writing receiving widespread appreciation.
Meanwhile, 31: Chinna Katha Kaadu was named the Best Children’s Film, and the film’s young actor Arundev Pothula won the Best Child Artist award for his impressive performance.
The remarkable haul at the 72nd National Film Awards highlights the strength and diversity of Telugu cinema, with films across various genres earning national recognition for their creative and technical excellence.
