Gaddar Film Awards 2025 Jury Committee Sees Major Change

• Thammareddy Bharadwaja appointed chairman of special awards jury
• Gaddar Film Awards ceremony scheduled for March 19, 2026
• Films certified in 2025 eligible across 17 award categories

The Telangana government has introduced a significant change in the jury structure of the prestigious Gaddar Film Awards 2025, a move that has drawn attention across the film industry. Senior producer and film analyst Thammareddy Bharadwaja has been appointed as the chairman of the jury committee responsible for selecting special awards.

Thammareddy takes over the role from legendary filmmaker K Raghavendra Rao, who previously headed the committee. Officials said the decision was taken keeping in mind Thammareddy’s long standing experience in cinema and his deep understanding of socially relevant storytelling, which aligns with the spirit of the Gaddar Film Awards.

The state government has already finalized the date for the award ceremony. The Gaddar Film Awards 2025 will be presented on March 19, 2026, coinciding with the Ugadi festival, and the event is expected to be held with grand arrangements.

Films that received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification between January 1 and December 31, 2025, will be considered eligible for the awards. This year, awards will be presented across 17 categories, reflecting a broad recognition of cinematic excellence.

In a notable addition, the government has introduced special awards aimed at encouraging socially conscious cinema, including the Best Social Message Film and the Dr C Narayana Reddy Special Award. These categories are intended to honour films that contribute meaningfully to social awareness.

Screening of eligible films is currently underway under various jury panels, and officials indicated that the list of winners is likely to be announced soon.