The Telugu film industry emerged as one of the standout performers at the 72nd National Film Awards, securing a total of nine honours for films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2024.

Leading the tally was director Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, which received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The film also earned Best Production Design for Nitin Zihani Choudhary, whose work brought to life the contrasting worlds of Kasi, Shambala and the futuristic Complex.

Pushpa 2 earns screenplay and costume design honours

Director Sukumar’s blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule added two National Awards to its achievements. Sukumar won Best Original Screenplay, while costume designers Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma were honoured with the Best Costume Design award for their work on the film.

The film was among the biggest commercial successes of 2024 and was recognised for its storytelling and visual presentation.

Lucky Baskhar and 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu receive national recognition

Director Venky Atluri received the Best Dialogue Writer award for Lucky Baskhar, starring Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role.

Meanwhile, 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu, directed by Nanda Kishore Emani, was named Best Children’s Film. Child actor Arundev was honoured as Best Child Artist, sharing the award with Riddhiman Banerjee, Topomoy Deb, Gitashree Chakraborty (for Onko Ki Kothin) and Athish S. Shetty (for Mithya).

Committee Kurrollu wins Best Telugu Film

Debut director Yadhu Vamsi’s Committee Kurrollu was recognised as the Best Telugu Film at the awards. The nostalgic drama, produced by Niharika Konidela, also earned P. Ravi Kumar the Best Make-Up Artist award.

Following the announcement, the teams behind the award-winning films expressed their gratitude to the National Film Awards jury and audiences through social media posts celebrating the recognition.

Alia Bhatt has officially joined the cast of the much-awaited sequel of horror-fantasy film Tumbbad 2. The announcement was made by actor and producer Sohum Shah, who welcomed Alia to the franchise by sharing pictures on social media with the caption, “A new chapter unfolds. Welcome to #Tumbbad2, @aliaabhatt.”

The sequel will see Alia Bhatt, Sohum Shah, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui sharing screen space. Directed by Adesh Prasad, the film is being produced by Sohum Shah Films in association with Pen Studios. The makers have also announced that Tumbbad 2 is scheduled to release in theatres on December 3, 2027.

Alia Bhatt said Tumbbad has stayed with her ever since she first watched it. She described the film as one of the few movies that created a unique and immersive world, adding that joining the franchise is a special opportunity for her. The actor said she is looking forward to exploring a new character in the mysterious Tumbbad universe.

Released in 2018, Tumbbad became a cult classic for its blend of Indian folklore, mythology, fantasy, and horror. Starring Sohum Shah in the lead role, the film earned widespread critical acclaim and gained even more popularity after its re-release, becoming one of the most successful re-released Indian films.

The confirmation of Alia Bhatt’s casting ended weeks of speculation and has increased excitement among fans. With the addition of Alia Bhatt and Nawazuddin Siddiqui to the cast, the sequel promises a stronger star lineup while continuing the dark and mysterious world of the first film.

As of now, filming and production are on, and the makers are preparing for the film’s theatrical release in December 2027. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the sequel expands the mythology of the Tumbbad universe and whether it can match the original film’s impact.

Actor Hina Khan and her husband Rocky Jaiswal have reacted strongly after television actor Shilpa Shinde made controversial remarks on Hina’s battle with Stage 3 breast cancer during a recent interview. The comments triggered criticism online, with Hina and Rocky describing them insensitive and inappropriate.

The controversy began after Shinde questioned Hina’s public discussion of her illness and commented on her appearance during treatment. In the interview, Shilpa suggested that Hina did not look like someone undergoing cancer treatment, leading to widespread reactions on social media.

Responding on Instagram, Khan did not mention Shinde by name but stressed that every cancer patient’s journey is different. She said people should avoid making assumptions about a person’s medical condition based on physical appearance, adding that awareness and compassion are far more important than judgment. Khan reminded her followers that cancer affects individuals in different ways and that no two recovery journeys are the same.

Rocky Jaiswal also came out in his wife’s support, calling the remarks “inhuman” and expressed disappointment over the lack of sensitivity shown towards someone fighting a serious illness. He said personal health struggles should never become the subject of ridicule or speculation and urged people to respond with empathy instead of criticism.

Hina Khan revealed in June 2024 that she had been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Since then, she has regularly shared updates about her chemotherapy, surgeries and recovery through social media. The actor has repeatedly said that speaking openly about her treatment is her way of spreading awareness and giving hope to others facing similar challenges.

The exchange has sparked widespread discussion across social media, with many fans and members of the television industry extending support to Hina Khan and praising her courage.