Winning five awards, it hasn't ever been so good for Tamil cinemaPGV [ Thu, Mar 8, 2012 ]
- The image of Tamil cinema has changed with Kollywood films winning as many as five awards this year on the 59th National Film Awards announced on March 7. 'Vaaga Sooda Va', 'Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai' and 'Aaranya Kandam', all small-budget films that received popular acclaim, have received national recognition.'Vaaga Sooda Va' directed by Sargunam won the award for Best Tamil film (regional film category).'Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai', directed by Suseendran, won the award for 'Best popular film providing wholesome entertainment'. Its protagonist, Appukutti, received the most productive supporting actor award.'Aaranya Kaandam' director young Thiagarajan Kumararaja received the 'Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut film of a director' (Best debutant director category.)Pravin K.L. and Srikanth from the 'Aaranya Kaandam' team bagged the award for best editing.K.Hariharan, director of LV Prasad Film and television Academy, who was a central jury member this year, said the 'Vaaga Sooda Va', 'Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai' and 'Aaranya Kaandam' have changed a twin of Tamil Cinema. "Last year 'Aadukulam' did that. This year these three films have made everyone take a look at Tamil cinema with great respect."'Aaranya Kaandam' came in for special mention by Hariharan. He said the jury was simply stunned by the category of the film and the intense editing by Pravin K.L. and Srikanth."That film is a good example of maturity and understanding of the craft. It's about boldy engaging with violence in a highly structured manner."Unlike within the previous years when mostly Bollywood flicks walked away with awards within the popular film category, this year's honour went to 'Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai'.Hariharan said, "IT IS A refreshing entrant to the list. This is a huge departure from prevalent styles within the industry, adopting almost a fable-like narrative that impressed us."Similarly, 'Vaagai Sooda Va' was very refreshing, Hariharan said. 'Vaagai Sooda Va' director Thiagarajan Kumararaja, expressing happiness, said, "I'm happy, but would has been happier if a couple of others in our team like folks who worked on music and cinematography had also received awards. All of the same, it's heartening that it' was chosen."Kumararaja further said, "It's quite a negative film, almost amoral. This award will possibly encourage film makers to think about themes outside what's conventionally seen as acceptable."Suseendran, director of 'Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai' is delighted. "The credit goes to Madhan who placed his trust on us and all of the team. Lots of my friends and associates were skeptical about my collection of Appukutti to play the protagonist, but his receiving the most productive supporting actor award only goes to turn that I USED TO BE 200 per cent right," Suseendran said. He added, "I'M so happy for Appukutti who did an attractive job within the movie. I'M glad thon the film clicked at the national level and that i hope to do more such films so they can get all of the team recognition."Appukkui described the day because the most unforgettable in his life. "I did what director Suseendran told me to do. When he was directing me, he told me I'D get an award. This has really happened now. In fact, I won the award as a result of Suseendran. Though I'VE BEEN in cinema for years, it's only now I'M satisfied," Appukutti said. 'Vaagai Sooda Va' director Surgunam said he had worked very hard for a very long time. I NEEDED the film to be realistic and honest. An award like this may provide inspiration and effort. "I'D continue to offer good films and prove myself worthy of the dignity I'VE received now."Actor/director Revathy received the award (short film category) for 'Best film on family values' for her17-minute 'Red Building where the Sun Sets'. She made the film for a corporation in Bangalore.
