Naga Chaitanya calls Gaddar film award ‘Deeply meaningful’
HYDERABAD: Naga Chaitanya has won the Telangana Gaddar Film Award 2025 for Best Leading Actor for his acclaimed role in Thandel, calling the honor deeply humbling and meaningful.
Upon receiving the award, Chaitanya expressed sincere gratitude and described the film as a significant milestone in his career. “I’m grateful beyond words to have had the opportunity to be part of this narrative and bring this true heroic story to the screen,” he said.
Thandel, inspired by real events and individuals, demanded deep emotional commitment. Chaitanya shared that his involvement began in pre-production, well before filming started. “Meeting them and hearing their real stories really motivated me. It felt like a blessing to bring their story to life,” he shared.
He noted that spending time with the real-life inspirations behind the film had a lasting personal impact. The immersive on-set experience and the responsibility it entailed made the role especially meaningful.
The Gaddar Film Awards, established to honor the legendary balladeer and activist Gaddar, recognize artistic excellence and socially conscious cinema. Chaitanya’s win for Thandel has been widely celebrated by fans and the film industry.
At the ceremony, Chaitanya thanked Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Anumula, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy, and the Gaddar Film Awards committee for recognizing his work. He also expressed gratitude to actor Ram Charan for presenting the award.
Truly honored to receive the Telangana Gaddar Film Award 2025 for Best Leading Actor for #Thandel. This film has been a deeply special journey for me, and I’m grateful beyond words to have had the opportunity to be part of this narrative and bring this true heroic story to the… pic.twitter.com/DPoyzv8ive
— chaitanya akkineni (@chay_akkineni) March 21, 2026
With Thandel, Naga Chaitanya’s acclaimed performance and the Gaddar Award highlight his powerful portrayal in this true story.
