The 72nd National Film Awards for 2024 brought good news to the doorsteps of Tollywood. Telugu films, two of which are pan-Indian ones, won awards in nine categories.
Kalki 2898 AD received Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. It also earned Best Production Designer for Nitin Zihani Choudhary. Vyjayanthi Movies is elated, calling it a dream, a journey, and a celebration of cinema. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the Prabhas-starring dystopian sci-fi epic fantasy drama co-starred Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan.
Pushpa 2: The Rule is the second pan-Indian biggie to secure awards. It secured Best Screenplay by Sukumar and Best Costume Designer for Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma. "From the very first look, the costumes became iconic and were the talk of the town. A truly well-deserved honor," Mythri Movie Makers wrote, congratulating the two costumers. It also congratulated Sukumar, saying, "A phenomenal achievement and honor for one of Indian cinema's finest storytellers."
35: Chinna Katha Kaadu took Best Children's Film. Arun Dev won Best Child Artist for the same movie.
Lucky Bhaskar won Best Dialogue Writer for Venky Atluri. "From creating an unforgettable story to earning the nation’s highest recognition… this is truly special!" wrote Sithara Entertainments, congratulating the writer-director, who is currently making Suriya's Vishwanath & Sons under the same banner.
Committee Kurrollu claimed Best Telugu Feature Film and Best Make-up Artist for P. Ravi Kumar.
