Telugu films shined at the 71st National Film Awards with several big wins. Bhagavanth Kesari starring Balakrishna, won Best Telugu Film for its strong social message.
Other winners included Hanuman (Best Action Choreography and Best Animation), Balagam (Best Lyrics), and Baby (Best Screenplay). Director Sukumar’s daughter Sukriti Veni Bandreddi won Best Child Artiste for Gandhi Thatha Chettu.
Balakrishna expressed pride over the national recognition, thanking his team and praising director Anil Ravipudi for the honest script.
He also appreciated the technical crew’s hard work and said the award would inspire more such meaningful films.
Anil Ravipudi dedicated the award to all daughters who dare to dream and thanked the audience, jury, Balakrishna, and the film’s team.
Bhagavanth Kesari released in 2023, is about a brave cop who supports a girl after her father’s death. Sreeleela played the lead female role. The film was a commercial and critical success, produced by Shine Screens.
Director @AnilRavipudi and Producer @sahugarapati7 extend their heartfelt thanks to the National Awards jury for honouring the powerful message of #BanaoBetiKoSher and bestowing #BhagavanthKesari with the BEST TELUGU FILM AWARD at the 71st #NationalAwards pic.twitter.com/2QXXvgH98n
— Filmy Focus (@FilmyFocus) August 1, 2025
