The Nandi Awards were announced recently. Balakrishna bagged the best leading actor award for his fiery performance in 'Simha', while actress Nithya Menon bagged the best actor award (female) for her debut Telugu film 'Ala Modalayindi'.

The awards were announced by noted director N Shankar, chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Film Awards Committee-2010, in Hyderabad on Friday. 'Maryada Ramanna' directed by S S Rajamouli with comedian Sunil as the lead actor won as many as four awards in different categories. 'Simha', 'Vedam', 'Ye Maya Chesave' and 'Varudu' won three awards each.
Director Sunil Kumar Reddy was adjudged best director for his thematic film 'Gangaputrulu'. Unlike in the past, mainstream movies grabbed the attention of Nandi Awards jury, with money-spinners like 'Maryada Ramanna' picking up four awards.

Shankar said that the state government should ideally give away the awards on Ugadi as was the practice earlier. The award for the best home viewing feature film went to 'Andari Bandhuvaya', while the best popular feature film award for providing wholesome entertainment went to 'Maryada Ramanna'.