Tamil cinema must be feeling immensely proud as M. Manikandan's Kadaisi Vivasayi, a poignant tale of an 85-year old farmer, played by Nallandi, bagged the Best Tamil Film at the 69th National Film Awards.
The late actor who plays a farmer in the film also won a Special Mention for his breath-taking performance. Interestingly before approaching the late actor, Manikandan had approached Superstar Rajinikanth to play the lead, but the Jailer actor turned down the role. Nallandi was eventually roped in.
The actor passed away shortly after the shoot was completed for the film.
You can watch Kadaisi Vivasayi on Sony LIV.
Here's a look at the Best Feature Films in five major languages
Best Telugu Film - Uppena
Best Hindi Film - Sardar Udham
Best Kannada Film - 777 Charlie
Best Malayalam Film - Home
Best Tamil Film - Kadaisi Vivasayi
Besides Kadaisi Vivasayi, R Madhavan's Rocketry The Nambi Effect which was also a bilingual release in Tamil and Hindi respectively, won the National Award for The Best Feature Film category.
Prior to KV, filmmaker Manikandan had earlier won the National Film Award for the beautiful 2015 film Kaaka Muttai, under the Best Children's Film category.
Popular singer Shreya Ghoshal was awarded the National Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her song 'Maayava Chaayavaa' in the movie 'Iravin Nizhal'.
Filmmaker B Lenin's Sirpangalil Sirpangal also won the National Award for Best Educational Film.
