The Tamil Nadu government has officially unveiled the winners of the State Film Awards for the years 2016 to 2022, celebrating outstanding achievements in the realms of cinema and television. This prestigious announcement highlights a stellar lineup of talent, including acclaimed actors such as Dhanush, Suriya, Sai Pallavi, Nayanthara, Keerthy Suresh, and Jyotika, among others. Notably, Lokesh Kanagaraj received the Best Director award for his debut film Maanagaram, while Dhanush was honored as Best Actor for his role in Vada Chennai. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 13, where winners will be formally recognized for their contributions to the industry.
2016 Winners
The 2016 awards saw Maanagaram clinch the Best Film (First Prize), with Vijay Sethupathi winning Best Actor for Puriyatha Puthir and Keerthy Suresh named Best Actress for Paambu Sattai. Lokesh Kanagaraj's directorial debut was celebrated with the Best Director award.
Key Awards for 2016
- Best Film (First Prize): Maanagaram
- Best Actor: Vijay Sethupathi (Puriyatha Puthir)
- Best Actress: Keerthy Suresh (Paambu Sattai)
- Best Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj (Maanagaram)
2017 Winners
In 2017, Aramm secured the Best Film (First Prize), with Karthi and Nayanthara taking home Best Actor and Best Actress awards for Theeran Adhigaram Ondru and Aramm, respectively. The directorial duo Pushkar-Gayathri was honored for Vikram Vedha.
Key Awards for 2017
- Best Film (First Prize): Aramm
- Best Actor: Karthi (Theeran Adhigaram Ondru)
- Best Actress: Nayanthara (Aramm)
- Best Director: Pushkar-Gayathri (Vikram Vedha)
2018 Winners
The 2018 awards recognized Pariyerum Perumal as Best Film (First Prize), with Dhanush winning Best Actor for Vada Chennai and Jyothika awarded Best Actress for Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. Mari Selvaraj received the Best Director accolade.
Key Awards for 2018
- Best Film (First Prize): Pariyerum Perumal
- Best Actor: Dhanush (Vada Chennai)
- Best Actress: Jyothika (Chekka Chivantha Vaanam)
- Best Director: Mari Selvaraj (Pariyerum Perumal)
2019 Winners
For 2019, Asuran was named Best Film (First Prize), with R Parthiban and Manju Warrier winning Best Actor and Best Actress awards for Oththa Seruppu Size 7 and Asuran, respectively. R Parthiban also earned the Best Director award.
Key Awards for 2019
- Best Film (First Prize): Asuran
- Best Actor: R Parthiban (Oththa Seruppu Size 7)
- Best Actress: Manju Warrier (Asuran)
- Best Director: R Parthiban (Oththa Seruppu Size 7)
2020 Winners
In 2020, Koozhangal took the Best Film (First Prize), with Suriya and Aparna Balamurali honored as Best Actor and Best Actress for Soorarai Pottru. Sudha Kongara was recognized as Best Director for the same film.
Key Awards for 2020
- Best Film (First Prize): Koozhangal
- Best Actor: Suriya (Soorarai Pottru)
- Best Actress: Aparna Balamurali (Soorarai Pottru)
- Best Director: Sudha Kongara (Soorarai Pottru)
2021 Winners
The 2021 awards saw Jai Bhim win Best Film (First Prize), with Arya and Lijomol Jose named Best Actor and Best Actress for Sarpatta Parambarai and Jai Bhim, respectively. Tha Se Gnanavel received the Best Director award.
Key Awards for 2021
- Best Film (First Prize): Jai Bhim
- Best Actor: Arya (Sarpatta Parambarai)
- Best Actress: Lijomol Jose (Jai Bhim)
- Best Director: Tha Se Gnanavel (Jai Bhim)
2022 Winners
For 2022, Gargi was awarded Best Film (First Prize), with Vikram Prabhu and Sai Pallavi winning Best Actor and Best Actress for Taanakkaran and Gargi, respectively. Gautham Ramachandran earned the Best Director accolade.
Key Awards for 2022
- Best Film (First Prize): Gargi
- Best Actor: Vikram Prabhu (Taanakkaran)
- Best Actress: Sai Pallavi (Gargi)
- Best Director: Gautham Ramachandran (Gargi)
The Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for 2016 to 2022 not only honor individual excellence but also reflect the vibrant and diverse storytelling that defines Tamil cinema. With categories spanning from Best Film to technical awards like cinematography and stunts, this recognition underscores the industry's commitment to quality and innovation. As winners prepare to receive their awards on February 13, this announcement serves as a testament to the enduring legacy and future potential of Tamil filmmaking.
