Telugu Cinema Shines at 72nd National Film Awards with Major Wins
Telugu films roar at the 72nd National Film Awards, with Kalki 2898 AD, Committee Kurrollu, Pushpa 2, and 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu securing multiple top honors.
Dumtika Editorial
July 18, 2026 · 1 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Telugu Cinema Roars at the 72nd National Film Awards
When the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi on July 18, 2026, a wave of pride swept through Tollywood. Telugu cinema made a powerful impact, with Kalki 2898 AD, Committee Kurrollu, and Pushpa 2: The Rule leading the charge with two awards each.
Committee Kurrollu, a heartfelt village comedy, emerged as Best Telugu Film — a triumph for independent storytelling. The ambitious sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD won Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Design, cementing its status as one of Indian cinema's most visually groundbreaking spectacles.
Pushpa 2: The Rule earned honors for Original Screenplay and Costume Design. Meanwhile, 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu quietly stole the spotlight, winning Best Children's Film and Best Child Artist for its tender portrayal of rural childhood.
From a small-budget village comedy to a ₹600-crore mythological blockbuster, Telugu cinema's seven-award haul proved one thing — Tollywood isn't just about scale. It's about range, ambition, and stories that resonate from Rajahmundry to the rest of India.
Congratulations to every winner. Telugu cinema ante idi! 🎬
