Telugu cinema earned nine awards across major creative, technical, and regional categories at the 72nd National Film Awards. President Droupadi Murmu presented the medals and citations at a ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The awards honoured films certified across India during the 2024 calendar year, marking a prominent presence for both large-scale commercial productions and independent projects from the Telugu industry.
The sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, secured the Golden Lotus for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The film also won recognition for its technical execution, with Nitin Zihani Choudhary receiving the Silver Lotus for Best Production Design for building the distinct visual environments of Kasi, Shambala, and the Complex.
Director Sukumar received the award for Best Screenplay for his writing on the action drama Pushpa 2: The Rule. The production took home a second honour in the technical categories, as costume designers Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma won the award for Best Costume Design for their character styling across the sequel.
In the regional language section, rural drama Committee Kurrollu was named Best Telugu Film. Produced by Niharika Konidela under Pink Elephant Pictures and directed by debutant Yadhu Vamsi, the production also secured an individual award for P. Ravi Kumar, who won Best Make-up Artist for the ensemble project.
The family drama 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu earned two national awards, taking the title for Best Children's Film while young performer Arundev Pothula was named one of the winners for Best Child Artist. Writer-director Venky Atluri also secured an award for Best Dialogue Writer for the financial drama Lucky Baskhar.
Full List of Telugu Winners
| Film | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| Kalki 2898 AD | Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment | Vyjayanthi Movies (Producer), Nag Ashwin (Director) |
| Kalki 2898 AD | Best Production Design | Nitin Zihani Choudhary |
| Pushpa 2: The Rule | Best Screenplay | Sukumar |
| Pushpa 2: The Rule | Best Costume Design | Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma |
| Committee Kurrollu | Best Telugu Film | Pink Elephant Pictures (Producer), Yadhu Vamsi (Director) |
| Committee Kurrollu | Best Make-up Artist | P. Ravi Kumar |
| 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu | Best Children's Film | Suresh Productions, S Originals (Producers), Nanda Kishore Emani (Director) |
| 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu | Best Child Artist | Arundev Pothula |
| Lucky Baskhar | Best Dialogue Writer | Venky Atluri |
The gathering in Gujarat marked the first time the national presentation ceremony was conducted outside the national capital, establishing an expansive celebration for the Telugu technicians, writers, and filmmakers honoured on the stage.