Balaji Sakthivel, who won a National Award for the simple yet hard-hitting Kadhal almost a decade ago, is elated after his film Vazhakku En 18/9 was selected as the Best Regional Film at the 60th National Awards. In the list announced, Tamil films managed a haul of five awards, including two for Kamal Haasan’s controversy-ridden Vishwaroopam.
Said a jubilant Sakthivel, “Its the freedom my producers accorded to me while making this film that has been instrumental in its success. Getting such a huge honour is not something I ever expected at the start of my career, but cinema is a process and I thank everyone who has been a part of this journey.” Vazhakku En 18/9 is a romantic-action flick that featured a team of newcomers - a trademark of the director.
Raja, the make-up artist of Vazhakku En 18/9, also won an award - a first for the veteran of nearly 200 films. Mentored for many years by Sundaramurthy, the preferred make-up man for K Balachander’s films, he is still coming to terms with the acclaim and honour. Ironically, the talented artiste has been out of work for the last one month after the completion of his last project.
After all the hassles that Kamal Haasan went through to get it released, Vishwaroopam, with its two National Awards - Best Production Design for Ilayaraja and Best Choreography for Pandit Birju Maharaj - must have made him a happy man.The veteran dance guru will be elated that he won the award despite assisting Kamal perfect Kathak for only one song sequence.
Bala’s Paradesi, released barely a week ago, has won the Best Costume award. Thirty two-year-old Poornima Ramasamy, who debuted with this film, is thrilled. Hailing from a family of retail garment store owners, she has dabbled in designing for a while. “I am still reeling under the shock! I didn’t believe it until Bala himself called me and congratulated me! I am grateful to him,” says Poornima.