Vijay Deverakonda Honored with Kantha Rao Film Award at 2024 Telangana Gaddar Film Awards
Hyderabad, June 15, 2025 – Telugu cinema star Vijay Deverakonda received the prestigious Kantha Rao Memorial Award at the inaugural Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2024. The ceremony, held on June 14 at HITEX, Hyderabad, celebrated excellence in Telugu cinema. It marked the revival of state-backed film awards after a 14-year hiatus.
Vijay expressed deep gratitude for the honor, named after the legendary actor “Nata Prapoorna” Kantha Rao. “I’m truly honored to receive this award,” he shared on X. “It’s humbling to be recognized in the name of such a cinematic icon.” He thanked the Telangana government, the jury, and his fans for their unwavering support.
The actor also celebrated his 2016 film Pelli Choopulu, which was named the second-best film of that year. “This project will always hold a special place in my heart,” Vijay added. The romantic comedy-drama, a game-changer for small-budget films, continues to resonate with audiences.
The Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, named after revolutionary poet and balladeer Gaddar, honored films released from 2014 to 2023. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy introduced the awards to recognize cinematic talent and cultural contributions. The jury, led by veteran actor Murali Mohan, reviewed 1,248 nominations across various categories.
Other notable winners included Kalki 2898 AD for Best Feature Film and Allu Arjun for Best Actor for Pushpa 2: The Rule. Nivetha Thomas won Best Actress for 35-Chinna Katha Kadu. The event, attended by cinema and political dignitaries, was a star-studded affair.
Vijay’s win underscores his rise as a Telangana-born star who broke barriers in an industry once dominated by Andhra-based narratives. Fans on X praised his journey, with one calling it “a full circle moment” for the actor with no film background. The awards aim to inspire filmmakers and celebrate Telugu cinema’s evolving legacy.
