Winning five awards, it has never been so good for Kollywood cinema

Kollywood films winning as many as five awards this year at 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 Best 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 TV Academy, who was a central jury member this year, said the 'Vaaga Sooda Va', 'Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai' and 'Aaranya Kaandam' have changed the image of Tamil Cinema. "Last year 'Aadukulam' did that. This year these three films have made everyone look at Tamil cinema with great respect."
'Aaranya Kaandam' came in for special mention by Hariharan. He said the jury was simply bowled over by the class of the film and the brilliant editing by Pravin K.L. and Srikanth.
"That film is a fine example of maturity and understanding of the craft. It's about boldy engaging with violence in a highly structured manner."

Unlike in the previous years when mostly Bollywood flicks walked away with awards in the popular film category, this year's honour went to 'Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai'.

Hariharan said, "It's a refreshing entrant to the list. It is a huge departure from prevalent styles in 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 have been happier if a few others in our team like those who worked on music and cinematography had also received awards. All the same, it is heartening that it' was chosen."

Kumararaja further said, "It's quite a negative film, almost amoral. This award will possibly encourage film makers to consider themes outside what is conventionally seen as acceptable."

Suseendran, director of 'Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai' is delighted. "The credit goes to Madhan who placed his trust on us and the entire team. Many of my friends and colleagues were skeptical about my choice of Appukutti to play the protagonist, but his receiving the best supporting actor award only goes to show that I was 200 per cent right," Suseendran said. He added, "I am so happy for Appukutti who did a wonderful job in the movie. I am glad that the film clicked at the national level and I hope to do more such films that will get the entire team recognition."

Appukkui described the day as the most unforgettable in his life. "I did what director Suseendran told me to do. When he was directing me, he told me I would get an award. This has really happened now. In fact, I won the award because of Suseendran. Though I have been in cinema for years, it is only now I am satisfied," Appukutti said.

'Vaagai Sooda Va' director Surgunam said he had worked very hard for a long time. I wanted the film to be realistic and honest. An award like this would provide inspiration and energy. "I would continue to give good films and prove myself worthy of the honour I have 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 an organization in Bangalore.