Thalapathy Vijay’s upcoming film Jana Nayagan was originally scheduled to hit theatres on January 9. However, the film missed its release date due to ongoing censorship issues. After failing to receive censor certification, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) referred the film to its Revision Committee (RC) for further scrutiny. As the legal battle continues, the CBFC has now filed a caveat in the Supreme Court. CBFC files caveat In the caveat, the censor board stated that no orders should be passed in the matter without hearing the CBFC’s side. This move comes amid anticipation that the film’s makers may approach the Supreme Court following a Madras High Court Division Bench order that stayed a single judge’s direction to grant the film a UA certificate. Recently, the Madras High Court set aside the single judge’s order directing the CBFC to issue a censor certificate, further delaying the film’s release. The High Court observed that the single judge should have allowed the CBFC adequate time to file its counter before passing the earlier order. Notably, Jana Nayagan cannot be released in theatres until it receives clearance from the CBFC. A fresh hearing in the matter is set to begin at the Madras High Court, with the film’s release date remaining uncertain. Helmed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Mamitha Baiju in key roles and was slated for a worldwide theatrical release on January 9. Vijay’s father reacts to Jana Nayagan delay Reacting to the delay, Vijay’s father, Chandrasekhar, alleged that political pressure was being exerted on the actor following his entry into politics. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Dravidian parties have ruled Tamil Nadu for more than 60 years,” adding that Vijay’s political venture has unsettled entrenched political forces in the state. Further elaborating on the repeated postponements, Chandrasekhar told India Today, “The people know what happened in Karur. Vijay is not afraid of anything. His chances of success are bright. It is normal for those entering politics for the first time to face obstacles.” He also claimed that the reasons behind Jana Nayagan’s delay are well understood by the public. Chandrasekhar further pointed to a cultural shift triggered by Vijay’s political entry, stating, “After Vijay entered politics, young people and women are discussing politics. They are more articulate than me.”
30 January,2026 05:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRanveer Singh is one superstar in our country who’s pulling some of the biggest projects in his kitty ever since the massive success of Dhurandhar. In 2021, rumours were rife that he was collaborating with director Shankar for Anniyan. However, the project never took off. Now, if rumours in the industry are to be believed, ace director Shankar is considering making his dream project, Velpari, a dual-hero subject, and is mulling the possibility of casting Tamil star Vikram and Bollywood star Ranveer Singh in the lead. Shankar to collaborate with Ranveer Singh, Vikram It is a well-established fact that Shankar has long maintained Velpari to be his dream project. The film is based on the book Veera Yuga Nayagan Vel Pari, a historical novel penned by well-known Tamil writer Su Venkatesan. Rumours doing the rounds in the industry suggest that well-known production house Pen Media is considering producing this film. The production house is believed to have asked Shankar for the budget of the film and the exact time period in which it will be completed. However, there has been no official confirmation in this regard so far. For the unaware, Velpari is a legendary Tamil king, known as much for his courage and administration as for his generosity and kindness. It narrates the story of how the Chera, Chola, and Pandya empires sought to overthrow the tribal king Vel Paari and the events that led to it. Shankar’s previous movie Director Shankar last helmed the Ram Charan-starrer Game Changer. The political action drama revolves around an honest IAS officer who takes on corruption and abuse of power within the political system. Looking ahead, Shankar had earlier announced a sequel to Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2, titled Indian 3. However, there has been no official update regarding its release so far. Talking about Ranveer Singh, he is currently basking in the success of his recent release Dhurandhar. After an impressive theatrical run, the film has dropped on OTT. Ranveer Singh is set to headline Pralay, a high-scale post-apocalyptic zombie thriller directed by Jai Mehta. The film, expected to begin filming in April 2026, features Kalyani Priyadarshan as his co-star. He also has Dhurandhar 2 slated for a March release in his kitty.
30 January,2026 04:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrabhas-starrer The RajaSaab is gearing up for its OTT release. Directed by Maruthi, the film was among the most anticipated releases of 2026 and marked one of the first major theatrical releases of the year. The horror-fantasy film, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar, opened to lukewarm responses during its theatrical run. The RajaSaab OTT release After completing a four-week theatrical run, The RajaSaab is set to stream on JioHotstar. The platform has listed the film for its digital premiere on February 6. The film features Prabhas in a stylised horror-fantasy avatar and was mounted on a massive scale. Reportedly made on a budget of around Rs 400 crore, the film has failed to recover even half of its production cost at the box office. The RajaSaab has currently grossed over Rs 180 crore worldwide and is expected to add only marginal numbers before ending its theatrical run. The RajaSaab director addresses criticism after film’s release Speaking at a press conference, director Maruthi addressed the mixed response to the film. “Prabhas fans aren’t disappointed with the film, but they aren’t fully satisfied either. That’s because we showcased him in an old get-up with attitude and swag in the trailer. While searching for that look, the fans couldn’t process the story I was presenting,” he said. He further added, “Keeping this feedback in mind, I sat down to sharpen the second half and added missing scenes starting from the 6 PM show. I’m confident the 8–9 minute addition will be mind-blowing. No film has depicted a rooftop fight sequence like this before. Prabhas worked extremely hard for it.” The RajaSaab producer SKN files complaint against trolls Producer SKN has filed a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Hyderabad against online trolls. In a press statement, he said the complaint was lodged against social media handles impersonating him and posting derogatory and misleading remarks targeting the film and its cast. The statement further read, “Such malicious acts are intended to create confusion and spread negativity. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved, and the matter is currently under investigation.” Following the film’s release, several members of the team, including SKN, were subjected to online trolling. It remains to be seen what action will be taken next.
30 January,2026 03:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a shocking case of financial fraud, a 52-year-old customs clearance agent from Ghatkopar has allegedly been cheated of Rs 11.5 crore after being lured with promises of access to a massive cash reserve of Rs 300 crore purportedly stored in a warehouse in Bihar. The Pant Nagar Police have registered an FIR in the matter and initiated an investigation, with the case expected to be taken up by the Economic Offences Wing due to the scale of the fraud. Akanksha Awasthi accused of duping The complainant, identified as Hitesh Kantilal Ajmera, runs a customs clearance firm based in Sakinaka, Andheri East. According to the police complaint, Ajmera was introduced to the accused through one of his employees in early 2024. The accused, Shantilal Gopal Patel, claimed to own land in North Goa and initially sought Ajmera’s help in finding potential investors, promising him a lucrative commission. Patel later introduced Ajmera to Vivekkumar Umeshkumar Sinha, also known as Abhishekkumar Singh Chauhan, and his wife Akanksha Awasthi, who was presented as a Bhojpuri film actress. The couple allegedly claimed that Sinha had access to nearly Rs 300 crore in cash locked inside boxes at a godown in Bettiah, located in Bihar’s West Champaran district. They told Ajmera that the money could be released only after clearing certain legal and property-related dues. In return for financial assistance, the accused allegedly promised Ajmera an interest-free loan of Rs 200 crore within a short period. Trusting their claims and supporting documents, including notarised agreements, Ajmera reportedly made an initial payment of Rs 50 lakh in March 2024. He later travelled to Patna with Patel and Sinha, where they introduced him to a man claiming to be the godown owner, who demanded Rs 11 crore to release the cash. All about the scam Believing the assurances, Ajmera transferred the money in multiple instalments, bringing the total amount paid to Rs 11.5 crore. However, during a subsequent visit, Sinha allegedly disappeared after stepping out briefly, switched off his phone, and became unreachable. Repeated attempts to contact the accused failed, leading Ajmera to realise he had been duped. Following this, Ajmera approached the police, alleging cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery. Police officials stated that efforts are underway to trace the accused and verify the authenticity of the documents and claims related to the alleged cash hoard. The investigation is ongoing.
30 January,2026 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Video has announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of Naari Naari Naduma Murari, a feel-good romantic comedy that blends humour, heart, and family drama in equal measure. Directed by Ram Abbaraju, the film offers a breezy yet heartfelt take on modern relationships, family expectations, and the chaos that unfolds when good intentions collide with inconvenient truths. It’s brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast, including Sharwanand, Samyuktha Menon, Sakshi Vaidya, and Sree Vishnu in pivotal roles. After emerging as a Sankranthi blockbuster and winning critics and audiences over with its light-hearted storytelling, Naari Naari Naduma Murari will be available to stream from February 4, exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, in Telugu, with dubs in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada languages. About Naari Naari Naduma Murari Gautham is a 20-something man raised by his single father, Karthik. Determined to see his father’s happiness, Gautham goes to great lengths to help him find love again, even as he navigates his own relationship with Nithya, an independent architect. Trouble brews when Nithya’s father insists on a registered marriage, a seemingly simple condition that threatens to expose Gautham’s unresolved past with his ex, Dia. What begins as a small attempt to avoid conflict quickly spirals into a web of misunderstandings and lies. As Gautham struggles to undo the damage, the question remains: has he gone too far, or is there still time to make things right? Anchored by engaging performances and warm chemistry between the lead cast, Naari Naari Naduma Murari stands out as a wholesome rom-com that transforms a fresh love triangle into a family entertainer. Vishal Chandrashekhar’s masterful soundtrack, complete with foot-tapping numbers, elevates the viewing experience even further. Built around everyday emotions and relatable dilemmas, the film’s universal themes are wrapped in humour that resonates with audiences across generations. Sharwanand's upcoming projects Sharwanand plays a bike racer in his upcoming film, which is tentatively being referred to as Sharwa36. Sources close to the unit of the film say that Sharwanand will be seen as a skilled motorcycle racer in the film, the shooting of which is now in its final stages in Hyderabad. Produced by Vamsi and Pramod, this high-energy film is believed to be set against the backdrop of motocross racing. Sources say it is a thrilling story of a family that is spread over three generations and set against the exciting motocross backdrop of the 90s and early 2000s. In September, the makers of the film released some brand new stills of Sharwanand, much to the delight of his fans. Malavika Nair has played the female lead in this film, which will also feature well-known character artistes Brahmaji and Atul Kulkarni in pivotal roles.
30 January,2026 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilmmaker Pa Ranjith has raised concerns about the integrity of government and private award organisations at both state and national levels. His remarks come soon after the Tamil Nadu government announced the State Film Awards and State Television Awards. The Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for 2016 to 2022, and the State Television Awards for 2014 to 2022 were announced on January 29. The awards honoured many leading film and television artists, including actors, male and female, filmmakers, music composers and more who have significantly contributed to the industry in recent years. Pa Ranjith questions the integrity of awards Pa Ranjith took to social media to question whether such awards are managed with fairness. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, "In the context of the Tamil Nadu government announcing the film awards, a question for you? Do government and private award organisations at the Tamil Nadu and Indian levels truly operate with integrity?" Notably, Arya won the Best Actor Award for Pa Ranjith's Sarpatta Parambarai, while Pasupathy won the Best Actor (Special Prize) for the same film. However, the boxing drama did not make it to the Best Film Award. The list of awardees for the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards included actors like Dhanush, Vijay Sethupathi, Suriya, Arya, Vikram Prabhu, Karthi, and Parthiban, who were named Best Actors for their performances. Similarly, the Best Actor (Female) witnessed recipients including Nayanthara, Keerthy Suresh, Jyothika, Aparna Balamurali, Lijomol Jose, and Sai Pallavi, reflecting the recognition of female talent in the industry. Tamil Nadu State Award 2016-2022 face criticism Nevertheless, the inclusion of both film and television awards after an extended period has drawn flak towards the processes by which these honours are determined. Many fans of Tamil cinema are questioning why Mammootty and composer Yuvan Shankar Raja weren't recognised for their exceptional work in the 2018 film Peranbu. Similarly, Pa Ranjith's comments have resonated within the entertainment community. Many are raising their concerns about the functioning of both government and private awarding bodies. As the debate continues about the need for stakeholders reflect on the values and standards behind such recognitions, a formal award ceremony to felicitate the winners is scheduled to be held on February 13, 2026.
30 January,2026 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA brief tease from A.R. Ameen hints at a romance waiting to be revealed, bringing Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur back together after their 2022 super-hit film Sita Ramam. With A.R. Rahman’s composition and vocals by Ameen and Jasleen Royal, Bheegi Bheegi, feels like the beginning of a timeless love saga. Speculation about Sita Ramam 2 Mrunal Thakur and Dulquer Salmaan have sparked a wave of speculation on social media after a recent picture of the duo went viral. A fan posted the photo, in which Mrunal Thakur and Dulquer Salmaan are seen standing under an umbrella. They are seen smiling while being lost in each other's eyes. While Mrunal, dressed in a grey sleeveless kurta and a matching dupatta, holds the umbrella, Dulquer stands with his hands at the back, dressed in a black suit. The photo instantly reminded fans of their on-screen chemistry in the 2022 romantic drama Sita Ramam. As a result, it sparked conversations about Sita Ramam 2 or a potential new collaboration between the two. While fans speculated that the actors are reuniting for the sequel, it has now been revealed that they are collaborating on the music video of Bheegi Bheegi. About Sita Ramam This romantic drama is set against the backdrop of Operation Gibraltar in the 1960s. The film traces the journey of Lieutenant Ram, played by Dulquer, who earns recognition by preventing communal riots in Kashmir. A radio broadcast invites the public to write to him, and he begins receiving love letters from a woman named Sita Mahalakshmi, played by Mrunal, who claims to be his wife. He then sets out on a journey to find Sita Mahalakshmi to propose his love for her. It marked Mrunal Thakur's Telugu debut. Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, Sita Ramam was released in the theatres on August 5. Mrunal's and Dulquer's upcoming projects On the work front, Mrunal will be next seen with Siddhant Chaturvedi in Do Deewane Seher Mein. Directed by Ravi Udyawar. A teaser was released recently, announcing that the film is slated to release theatrically on February 20, 2026. Additionally, she will also be seen with Varun Dhawan in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, which was earlier scheduled to release on April 10, 2026. Dulquer too has several interesting projects in his kitty. This includes Malayalam action-drama I Am Game (expected April 2026), the period thriller Kaantha, and the Telugu actioner Aakasamlo Oka Tara. Additionally, he is also expected to be seen in Suriya 43 (Puranaanooru).
30 January,2026 01:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold heist case questioned actor Jayaram, a move that investigators describe as crucial in establishing the alleged diversion of gold plates meant for the hill shrine. The questioning was carried out at the actor’s residence in Chennai, following which the SIT indicated that Jayaram would be arraigned as a key witness in the case. Jayaram questioned by SIT In his statement, Jayaram confirmed that the gold plates, which were meant to remain at the Sannidhanam of the Sabarimala temple, had been brought to his Chennai home. This, investigators said, corroborates the police finding that the plates were transported out of Kerala, lending strength to the prosecution’s claim that temple assets were moved without authorisation. However, the SIT has made it clear that it is not, at present, contemplating any legal action against the actor. The investigation has established that Jayaram had no financial dealings with the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, or with any of the other accused in the case. According to the SIT, Jayaram’s interactions were limited to faith-based and religious contexts. Jayaram told investigators that he had known Unnikrishnan Potti for several decades through his association with Sabarimala, which he has been visiting regularly for nearly five decades. He stated that Potti had convinced him that conducting poojas on the newly crafted gold plates meant for the Sabarimala sanctum would bring spiritual merit and prosperity. Trusting Potti on religious grounds, Jayaram agreed to host the rituals, he said. The actor also confirmed that he participated in pujas conducted on the gold plates at Smart Creations in Chennai and later took part in a ceremonial procession at a temple in Kottayam. He maintained that he had no knowledge about any financial fraud or misappropriation linked to the gold plates. With Jayaram agreeing to depose before the court, the SIT considers his testimony significant, particularly in establishing the movement and public display of the gold plates outside the temple premises. ED conducts 3 raids in Sabrimala gold case The Enforcement Directorate on 20 January conducted searches in three states as part of its money laundering investigation into the Sabarimala alleged gold loss case of Kerala, officials said. About 21 locations across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are being raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The premises linked to the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, in Bengaluru and former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar in Kerala, apart from jewellers, were covered by the federal probe agency as part of the action. The probe is related to a series of irregularities, including official misconduct, administrative lapses and a criminal conspiracy to misappropriate the gold from the various artifacts of the Lord Ayyappa shrine. The charges also include the loss of gold from the gold-clad copper plates of the 'Dwarapalaka' (guardian deity) idols and the door frames of the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple. ED officials said preliminary investigation shows that gold-clad sacred artifacts were deliberately misrepresented as "copper plates" in official records and unlawfully removed from the temple premises between 2019 and 2025.
30 January,2026 12:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Dhanush, who has won the Tamil Nadu Government's State Film Award for Best Actor for the year 2018 for his performance in director Vetri Maran's cult classic Vada Chennai, has now penned a note of gratitude in which he has called the award "a true honor". Taking to his X timeline soon after the Tamil Nadu government announced the State Film Awards for the year 2018, Dhanush 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." 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. — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) January 29, 2026 Interestingly, Vada Chennai, for which Dhanush won the Best Actor, swept the awards for the year, winning in seven categories. The film fetched Samuthirakani the award for Best Villain for the year. Director and actor Ameer won the Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film. The film also fetched Santhosh Narayanan the award for Best Music Director and Velraj the award for Best Cinematographer. Aishwarya Rajesh, who played the female lead in Vada Chennai, won the Award for Best Actress (Special Prize) for her performances in both Vada Chennai and Kanaa. Vishnu Vishal, who won the Best Actor (Special Prize) for his performance in the superhit crime thriller Ratsasan for the same year, took to his X timeline to pen a post of gratitude. He wrote, "My first ever award on the same day I complete 17 years in the industry. Sincere thanks to the Government of Tamil Nadu for the Best Actor - Special Jury Award for Ratsasan. It is an honour and for a film that I will always cherish. Thank you for all the love that you keep giving me." The first place in the Best Picture category went to director Mari Selvaraj's Pariyaerum Perumal. The second and third places went to director Pandiraj's Kadaikutty Singam and director Premkumar's 96. For the unaware, the Tamil Nadu government, on 29 January night, announced the State Film Awards for the seven years (from 2016 to 2022). Each award winner will be presented with a gold medal, a memento and a certificate. The awards are to be presented at a function that is to be held at Kalaivanar Arangam on February 13 this year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 January,2026 11:30 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSDays after actress and former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty filed a complaint alleging harassment and humiliation on stage, three accused have been arrested by the police. The actress has claimed that she was 'abruptly asked to get off stage' and derogatory remarks were made about her. Three held in Mimi Chakraborty's harassment case On Thursday, police probing Mini's complaint regarding harassment at an event in Bongaon in the North 24 Parganas district, arrested the accused. Identified as Tanay Shastri, he was taken into custody along with two of his associates after a scuffle at his residence, wherein they tried to obstruct the team, according to the officials. Mimi Chakraborty, who is currently busy promoting her recently released film, Bhanupriya Bhuter Hotel, has yet to react to the arrest. Mimi Chakraborty alleges harassment during event The incident took place on Sunday night. The actress, who had gone to perform at an event in the Nayagopalganj area of Bongaon, alleged that she was harassed on stage there. "I was performing. Suddenly, the event organiser, Tanay Shastri, came onto the stage and stopped me. He told me to leave. Without arguing, I left without completing the entire performance. His behaviour was very arrogant," she said. Following the incident, she filed a written complaint with the local police station via email. The former MP also said that this unjust treatment was meted out to her because she refused to be a guest at Shastri's house, unlike the other artistes. On the other hand, the organiser of the event claimed that the allegations are completely baseless and false. According to Shastri, Mimi Chakraborty's scheduled arrival time was 10.30 p.m., but she arrived at around 11.45 p.m., almost an hour and a half late. Despite this, she was given due respect and escorted onto the stage, he said, denying her allegations. "I am not at fault. Mimi arrived very late. We had to finish the event on time. That's what we did. We did not treat Mimi badly in any way." However, when the police tried to investigate the matter and went to Shastri's house, he prevented them from discharging their duties. Following this, he and two of his associates were arrested. (With inputs from IANS)
30 January,2026 11:02 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Tamil Nadu government announced the State Film Awards for the years 2016 to 2022 on Thursday. The awards also honoured artists as part of the State Television Awards for the years 2014 to 2022. Among the winners, notables like Dhanush, Vijay Sethupathi, Suriya, Arya, Vikram Prabhu, Karthi, and Parthiban took home the Best Actor awards, while, Nayanthara, Keerthy Suresh, Jyothika, Aparna Balamurali, Lijomol Jose and Sai Pallavi were named as Best Actors (Female). Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 2016-2022 Winners for 2016 Best Film (First Prize): Maanagaram Best Film (Second Prize): Puriyatha Puthir Best Film (Third Prize): Maaveeran Kittu Best Film (Special Prize): Manusangada Best Film About Women Empowerment (Special Prize): Aruvi Best Actor: Vijay Sethupathi (Puriyatha Puthir) Best Actress: Keerthy Suresh (Paambu Sattai) Best Actor (Special Prize): S Guru Somasundaram (Joker) Best Actress (Special Prize): Aditi Balan (Aruvi) Best Villain: Rahman (Oru Mugathirai) Best Comedy Actor: Robo Shankar (posthomous) (Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaran) Best Comedy Actress: Madhumitha (Kaashmora) Best Supporting Actor: R Parthiban (Maaveeran Kittu) Best Supporting Actress: Manisha Yadav (Oru Kuppai Kathai) Best Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj (Maanagaram) Best Music Director: Sam CS (Puriyatha Puthir) Best Lyricist: Madhan Karky ('Naan Un' from 24) Best Playback Singer (Male): Velmurugan (Oru Kuppai Kathai) Best Playback Singer (Female): Vaikom Vijayalakshmi (Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaran) Best Cinematographer: Balasubramaniem (Kathakali) Best Editor: Kasi Viswanathan (Maaveeran Kittu) Best Art Director: John Britto (Ilami) Best Stunt Coordinator: Anbariv (Kaashmora/24) Winners for 2017 Best Film (First Prize): Aramm Best Film (Second Prize): Vikram Vedha Best Film (Third Prize): Taramani Best Film (Special Prize): To Let Best Film About Women Empowerment (Special Prize): Dharmadurai Best Actor: Karthi (Theeran Adhigaram Ondru) Best Actress: Nayanthara (Aramm) Best Actor (Special Prize): Santhosh Sreeram (To Let) Best Actress (Special Prize): Andrea Jeremiah (Taramani) Best Villain: Prasanna (Thiruttu Payale 2) Best Comedy Actor: Bala Saravanan (En Aaloda Seruppa Kaanom) Best Comedy Actress: Urvashi (Magalir Mattum) Best Supporting Actor: Bose Venkat (Kavan/Theeran Adhigaram Ondru) Best Supporting Actress: Sunu Lakshmi (Aramm) Best Director: Pushkar-Gayathri (Vikram Vedha) Best Music Director: Hip Hop Thamizhaa (Kavan) Best Lyricist: Vivek ('Theeran Da' from Theeran Adhigaram Ondru) Best Playback Singer (Male): Sathyaprakash (Thiruttu Payale 2) Best Playback Singer (Female): Shakthisree Gopalan (Vikram Vedha) Best Cinematographer: P Chelladurai (Thiruttu Payale 2) Best Editor: A Raja Mohammad (Thiruttu Payale 2/Veeraiyan) Best Art Director: AK Muthu (Andava Kaanom) Best Stunt Coordinator: Dhilip Subbarayan (Vikram Vedha/Theeran Adhigaram Ondru) Winners for 2018 Best Film (First Prize): Pariyerum Perumal Best Film (Second Prize): Kadaikutty Singam Best Film (Third Prize): 96 Best Film (Special Prize): Seethakaathi Best Film About Women Empowerment (Special Prize): Kanaa Best Actor: Dhanush (Vada Chennai) Best Actress: Jyothika (Chekka Chivantha Vaanam) Best Actor (Special Prize): Vishnu Vishal (Ratsasan) Best Actress (Special Prize): Aishwarya Rajesh (Kanaa/Vada Chennai) Best Villain: Samuthirakani (Vada Chennai) Best Comedy Actor: Yogi Babu (Mohini) Best Comedy Actress: Devadarshini (96) Best Supporting Actor: Ameer (Vada Chennai) Best Supporting Actress: Viji Chandrasekhar (Kadaikutty Singam) Best Director: Mari Selvaraj (Pariyerum Perumal) Best Music Director: Santhosh Narayanan (Vada Chennai) Best Lyricist: Thiyagarajan Kumararaja (Seethakaathi) Best Playback Singer (Male): Sid Sriram (Multiple Films) Best Playback Singer (Female): Aaradhana Sivakarthikeyan (Kanaa) Best Cinematographer: R Velraj (Kadaikutty Singam/Vada Chennai) Best Editor: San Lokesh (Ratsasan) Best Art Director: Vinoth Rajkumar (Seethakaathi) Best Stunt Coordinator: Supreme Sundar (Goli Soda 2) Winners for 2019 Best Film (First Prize): Asuran Best Film (Second Prize): Oththa Seruppu Size 7 Best Film (Third Prize): Comali Best Film (Special Prize): KD Engira Karuppudurai Best Film About Women Empowerment (Special Prize): Pon Magal Vandhal Best Actor: R Parthiban (Oththa Seruppu Size 7) Best Actress: Manju Warrier (Asuran) Best Actor (Special Prize): Karthi (Kaithi) Best Actress (Special Prize): Indhuja (Magamuni) Best Villain: Arjun Das (Kaithi) Best Comedy Actor: Karunakaran (Monster) Best Comedy Actress: Kovai Sarala (Kanchana-3) Best Supporting Actor: Prakash Raj (Asuran) Best Supporting Actress: Sriranjani (House Owner) Best Director: R Parthiban (Oththa Seruppu Size 7) Best Music Director: Thaman (Magamuni) Best Lyricist: Kabilan (NGK) Best Playback Singer (Male): Haricharan (Multiple Films) Best Playback Singer (Female): Saindhavi (Asuran) Best Cinematographer: Theni Easwar (Peranbu) Best Editor: R Sudharsan (Oththa Seruppu Size 7) Best Art Director: CS Balachandran (Dharma Prabhu) Best Stunt Coordinator: Anbariv (Kaithi) Winners for 2020 Best Film (First Prize): Koozhangal Best Film (Second Prize): Soorarai Pottru Best Film (Third Prize): Sandakari Best Film (Special Prize): Thaen Best Film About Women Empowerment (Special Prize): Kamali From Nadukkaveri Best Actor: Suriya (Soorarai Pottru) Best Actress: Aparna Balamurali (Soorarai Pottru) Best Actor (Special Prize): Tharun Kumar (Thaen) Best Actress (Special Prize): Abernathy (Thaen) Best Villain: Nanda (Vaanam Kottattum) Best Comedy Actor: Rakshan (Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithal) Best Comedy Actress: Nil Best Supporting Actor: Karunaas (Soorarai Pottru) Best Supporting Actress: Vadivukkarasai (Jananayagam Virpanaikku Alla) Best Director: Sudha Kongara (Soorarai Pottru) Best Music Director: GV Prakash Kumar (Soorarai Pottru) Best Lyricist: Thamarai (Thaainilam) Best Playback Singer (Male): Amrish (Sandakari) Best Playback Singer (Female): Varsha Ranjith (Thaainilam) Best Cinematographer: NK Ekambaram (Ka Pae Ranasingam) Best Editor: Lawrence Kishore (Thaen) Best Art Director: Iyyappan (Sandakari) Best Stunt Coordinator: Super Subbarayan (Chasing) Winners for 2021 Best Film (First Prize): Jai Bhim Best Film (Second Prize): Kadaisi Vivasayi Best Film (Third Prize): Karnan Best Film (Special Prize): Rs 2000 Best Film About Women Empowerment (Special Prize): Netrikann Best Actor: Arya (Sarpatta Parambarai) Best Actress: Lijomol Jose (Jai Bhim) Best Actor (Special Prize): Pasupathy (Sarpatta Parambarai) Best Actress (Special Prize): Amrutha Srinivasan (Irudhi Pakkam) Best Villain: Thamizh (Jai Bhim) Best Comedy Actor: Yogi Babu (Doctor) Best Comedy Actress: Madhumitha (Varisi) Best Supporting Actor: K Manikandan (Jai Bhim) Best Supporting Actress: Dr Raichal Rebecca (Kadaisi Vivasayi) Best Director: Tha Se Gnanavel (Jai Bhim) Best Music Director: Sean Roldan (Jai Bhim) Best Lyricist: Thamarai (Maara) Best Playback Singer (Male): Arivu (Jai Bhim) Best Playback Singer (Female): Bhavatharini (Maamanithan) Best Cinematographer: Richard M Nathan (Maanaadu) Best Editor: Praveen (Maanaadu) Best Art Director: T Ramalingam (Karnan) Best Stunt Coordinator: Mahesh Mathew (Kodiyil Oruvan) Winners for 2022 Best Film (First Prize): Gargi Best Film (Second Prize): Taanakkaran Best Film (Third Prize): Witness Best Film (Special Prize): Iravin Nizhal Best Film About Women Empowerment (Special Prize): Aval Appadithan 2 Best Actor: Vikram Prabhu (Taanakkaran) Best Actress: Sai Pallavi (Gargi) Best Actor (Special Prize): Appukutty (Vazhga Vivasaayi) Best Actress (Special Prize): Dushara Vijayan (Natchathram Nagargiradhu) Best Villain: Prakash Raj (Viruman) Best Comedy Actor: Robo Shankar (posthomous) (Iravin Nizhal) Best Comedy Actress: Indraja Shankar (Viruman) Best Supporting Actor: Bose Venkat (Taanakkaran) Best Supporting Actress: Vasundhara (Vazhga Vivasaayi) Best Director: Gautham Ramachandran (Gargi) Best Music Director: AR Rahman (Ponniyin Selvan: I) Best Lyricist: Ilango Krishnan (Ponniyin Selvan: I) Best Playback Singer (Male): Haricharan (Iravin Nizhal) Best Playback Singer (Female): Khatija Rahman (Iravin Nizhal) Best Cinematographer: R Arthur Wilson (Iravin Nizhal) Best Editor: Suresh Urs (Ulagammai) Best Art Director: Thota Tharani (Ponniyin Selvan: I) Best Stunt Coordinator: Anl Arasu (Viruman) About the awards The awards recognise the outstanding contributions to Tamil cinema across seven yearsm honouring excellence in acting, direction, music, and filmmaking. Apart from the recognition, the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards also reward monetary prizes to honour their achievement. Each of the awards includes a gold medal weighing one sovereign, a commemorative memento, and an official certificate. The Best Film (First Prize) is awarded by a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh, while, films receiving the runner-up prize are awarded Rs 1 lakh. The third priscarries a cash prize of Rs 75,000. The awards ceremony to felicitate the winners will take place on February 13 at 04:30 pm at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai. The Deputy Chief Minister will hand over the awards to the winners.
30 January,2026 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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