The southern sweep! - Special Article

As it turns out, the 58th National Award announced yesterday in Delhi is a complete south show with regional language movies (Tamil and Malayalam, in particular) making a clean sweep winning as many as 12 awards. In an industry where the South and Bollywood divide is distinct it has always been a herculean effort to break into the forts of national awards. In recently years, it’s Agathiyan whose success made people sit up and take notice in the national award jury. His Kadhal Kottai made a great show at the national awards.

In 2009, Bala brought home the honors for Naan Kadavul. Just about a month ago, veteran Balachander has been selected for the Dada Sahib Balke awards for his marvelous contribution to the world of cinema.

As far as the 58th National Awards are concerned it’s a complete Vetrimaran show. Vetrimaran’s Aadukalam seems to have won a few hearts in the jury and his movie won the awards for best direction and best original screenplay. Aadukalam also won the Sivaram Granth Award for the best feature film. Dinesh Kumar wins award for his choreography and editor Kishore wins for his editing for Aadukalam. It’s not surprising that Dhanush won the best actor award for Aadukalam. It only reiterates the predictions of many when the movie was released.

Shankar’s Endhiran won for production design and special effects. In the regional language movies segment, Thenmerku Paruvakaatru won the award and Saranya Ponvannan is declared as the best actress. Well deserved. For the 6th time, Vairamuthu wins for the lyrics of Thenmerku Paruvakaatru. He also created a record of sorts by winning this award.

Thambi Ramayya won the best supporting actor award for Myna. If you recollect, superstar Rajinikanth sent out congratulatory messages to Ramayya when Myna was released. Veteran actor Sugumari wins the best supporting actress award for her performance in Namma Gramam. Costume designer Jayan wins an award for his work in Namma Gramam as well. Artist Jeeva’s book on cinema Thiraicheelai also
won an award.

So that is the tally of Tamil movies winning awards at the 58th National Awards. Not only Tamil movies, but our technicians are also being talked about in various international circles. Next year, don’t be surprised if Azhagarsamiyin Kudirai sweeps the awards.

Congratulations to the awardees.

• Tamil actors; where is their unity?