70th Filmfare Awards South 2026: Full Winners List State-Wise | Filmfare Awards Highlights

22 February 2026| Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 1:20 pm ]

The Filmfare Awards once again celebrated the best of South Indian cinema at the grand 70th Filmfare Awards South held at the Adlux Convention Centre in Kochi. For UAE audiences who closely follow Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films, this edition of the Filmfare Awards South delivered big wins, emotional speeches and record-breaking moments.

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Telugu Cinema – Pushpa 2 Dominates

Overview: Telugu cinema stole the spotlight at the Filmfare Awards with Pushpa 2: The Rule emerging as the biggest winner.

Before we dive in, here are the major wins from the Telugu category:

• Best Film: Pushpa 2: The Rule
• Best Director: Sukumar (Pushpa 2: The Rule)
• Best Actor (Male): Allu Arjun (Pushpa 2)
• Best Actress: Nivetha Thomas (35 Chinna Katha Kaadu)
• Best Supporting Actor (Male): Amitabh Bachchan (Kalki 2898 AD)
• Best Music Album: Devi Sri Prasad
• Best Film (Critics’): Lucky Baskhar (Venky Atluri)
• Best Actor (Critics’): Teja Sajja (Hanu-Man)
• Best Actress (Critics’): Kajal Aggarwal (Satyabhama)
• Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Female): Anjali (Gangs Of Godavari)
• Best Lyrics: Ramjogayya Sastry (Chuttamalle – Devara: Part 1)
• Best Playback Singer (Male): Sri Krishna (Kurchi Madathapetti – Guntur Kaaram)
• Best Playback Singer (Female): Shilpa Rao (Chuttamalle – Devara: Part 1)
• Best Debut Director: Yadhu Vamsi (Committee Kurrollu)
• Best Debut Male: Sandeep Saroj (Committee Kurrollu)
• Best Debut Female: Nayan Sarika (Gam Gam Ganesha)
• Best Production Design: Nitin Zihani Choudhary (Kalki 2898 AD), RAMAKRISHNA & MONIKA (PUSHPA 2: THE RULE)

The Filmfare Awards South once again proved that Telugu cinema continues to blend commercial success with strong storytelling. 

Tamil Cinema – Amaran Leads the Way

Overview: Tamil cinema had an intense year, and Amaran emerged as the top winner at the Filmfare Awards. Strong performances and music played a key role.

Here are the standout wins:

• Best Film: Amaran
• Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy & PS Vinothraj
• Best Film (Critics’): Meiyazhagan (C. Prem Kumar)
• Best Actor (Male): Sivakarthikeyan
• Best Actor (Critics’): Aravind Swami (Meiyazhagan)
• Best Actress (Critics’): Anna Ben (Kottukkaali)
• Best Actor Supporting (Female): Parvathy Thiruvothu (Thangalaan) And Swasika (Lubber Pandhu)
• Best Actress (Female): Sai Pallavi
• Best Supporting Actor: Karthi
• Best Music Album: G V Prakash Kumar
• Best Lyrics: Uma Devi (Yaaro Ivan Yaaro – Meiyazhagan)
• Best Playback Singer (Male): Haricharan (Hey Minnale – Amaran)
• Best Playback Singer (Female): Shweta Mohan (Hey Minnale – Amaran)
• Best Debut Director: Suresh Mari (J Baby), Tamizharasan Pachamuthu (Lubber Pandhu)
• Best Debut Male: Hridhu Haroon (Thugs)
• Best Debut Female: Sri Gouri Priya (Lover)
• Best Cinematography: C.H. Sai (Amaran)
• Outstanding Performance: Vikram (Thangalaan)
  

Tamil cinema’s presence at the Filmfare Awards South was powerful, reflecting its strong fan base in the UAE, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Malayalam Cinema – Content-Driven Excellence

Overview: Malayalam cinema continues to dominate critically and creatively. At this year’s Filmfare Awards, realistic storytelling took centre stage.

Major winners include:

• Best Film: Manjummel Boys
• Best Actor (Male): Mammootty (Bramayugam)
• Best Actress (Female): Urvashi (Ullozhukku)
• Best Actor (Critics’): Prithviraj Sukumaran (Aadujeevitham)
• Best Music Album: Sushin Shyam
  

The Filmfare Awards South highlighted how Malayalam films balance strong scripts with commercial appeal. 

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Kannada Cinema – Rising and Powerful

Overview: Kannada cinema continues its upward momentum. This year at the Filmfare Awards, impactful performances were rewarded.

Here are the key winners:

• Best Film: Shakhahaari
• Best Director: Prithvi Konanur
• Best Actor (Male): Sriimurali (Bagheera)
• Best Actress (Female): Akshatha Pandavapura
• Best Music Album: Arjun Janya
  

The recognition at the Filmfare Awards South confirms Kannada cinema’s growing national and global appeal.

Why Filmfare Awards South Matter to UAE Audiences

Overview: Filmfare Awards are popular in the  United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to these reasons. 

The Filmfare Awards are more than just trophies. For UAE residents:

• South Indian films dominate cinema screens across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
• Many films break overseas box-office records in the Gulf.
• Cultural ties between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and the UAE are strong.
  

The awards help overseas audiences stay connected to their roots while celebrating cinematic excellence.

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Conclusion

The 70th Filmfare Awards South proved that regional cinema is stronger than ever. From Pushpa 2 in Telugu to Amaran in Tamil, Manjummel Boys in Malayalam and Shakhahaari in Kannada,  each industry delivered excellence. For UAE movie lovers, the Filmfare Awards continue to be the ultimate benchmark of South Indian cinema’s best performances, music and storytelling.

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