The Tamil Nadu government has finally broken its silence, announcing the much-anticipated State Film Awards for a significant backlog of years, spanning from 2016 to 2022. This comprehensive declaration covers seven years of cinematic excellence, recognizing outstanding contributions across various categories in Tamil cinema.
A Grand Ceremony with Substantial Prizes
The awards will be formally presented by the Deputy Chief Minister in a ceremony scheduled for February 13 at 4:30 PM at the iconic Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai. The financial rewards accompanying these honors are noteworthy. The first prize for Best Film carries a substantial cash award of Rs 2 lakh, while the second prize receives Rs 1 lakh, and the third prize is endowed with Rs 75,000. Beyond the monetary recognition, all awardees will be honored with a prestigious gold medal, a certificate of merit, and a commemorative memento, symbolizing their artistic achievement.
Celebrity Reactions Pour In
Prominent winners have already expressed their gratitude and joy on social media platforms. Superstar Dhanush, who clinched the Best Actor award for 2018 for his powerful performance in the critically acclaimed film 'Vada Chennai', took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his sentiments. He wrote, "I sincerely thank the Government of Tamil Nadu for conferring upon me the State Award for Vada Chennai. It is a true honor. My heartfelt congratulations to all the other awardees as well."
Similarly, actress Dushara Vijayan, honored with the Best Actress (Special Mention) for 2022 for her role in 'Natchathiram Nagargiradhu', conveyed her deep appreciation. She stated, "With a heart full of gratitude I accept the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Actress (Special Mention) for ‘Natchathiram Nagargiradhu’ (2022). To be recognised by the Tamil Nadu Government by the land that raised my dreams and shaped my art is an honour I will carry with humility and pride."
Complete List of Award Winners (2016-2022)
The announcement brings closure to years of anticipation, with a detailed list of winners across multiple categories for each year. Here is a consolidated overview of the key winners:
2016 Awards Highlights
- Best Film (First Prize): Maanagaram
- Best Actor: Vijay Sethupathi (Puriyatha Puthir)
- Best Actress: Keerthy Suresh (Paambu Sattai)
- Best Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj (Maanagaram)
2017 Awards Highlights
- Best Film (First Prize): Aramm
- Best Actor: Karthi (Theeran Adhigaram Ondru)
- Best Actress: Nayanthara (Aramm)
- Best Director: Pushkar-Gayathri (Vikram Vedha)
2018 Awards Highlights
- Best Film (First Prize): Pariyerum Perumal
- Best Actor: Dhanush (Vada Chennai)
- Best Actress: Jyothika (Chekka Chivantha Vaanam)
- Best Director: Mari Selvaraj (Pariyerum Perumal)
2019 Awards Highlights
- 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 Awards Highlights
- Best Film (First Prize): Koozhangal
- Best Actor: Suriya (Soorarai Pottru)
- Best Actress: Aparna Balamurali (Soorarai Pottru)
- Best Director: Sudha Kongara (Soorarai Pottru)
2021 Awards Highlights
- 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 Awards Highlights
- Best Film (First Prize): Gargi
- Best Actor: Vikram Prabhu (Taanakkaran)
- Best Actress: Sai Pallavi (Gargi)
- Best Director: Gautham Ramachandran (Gargi)
This extensive list also includes winners in specialized categories such as Best Villain, Best Comedy Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Music Director, Best Lyricist, Best Playback Singer (Male/Female), Best Cinematographer, Best Editor, Best Art Director, and Best Stunt Coordinator for each respective year. The awards notably feature special prizes for films focusing on women empowerment, highlighting the government's commitment to socially relevant cinema.
The announcement marks a significant moment for the Tamil film industry, providing long-overdue recognition to artists and technicians who have contributed to the rich tapestry of Tamil cinema over these seven years. It reaffirms the state's support for cinematic arts and celebrates the diverse storytelling that has emerged from the region.
