Chennai, Jan 30: In a highly anticipated move, the Government of Tamil Nadu has officially announced the State Film Awards for the years 2016 to 2022. The bulk announcement, made late Thursday night, clears a seven-year backlog, honoring the finest talents and cinematic achievements in the Tamil film industry.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 13, 2026, at the Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, where winners will be presented with gold medals, certificates, and mementos.
Highlights of the Major Winners
The list features a mix of massive commercial hits and critically acclaimed indie gems. Dhanush and Vijay Sethupathi secured multiple nods, while Nayanthara and Sai Pallavi were recognized for their powerful lead roles.
Winners by Year (Best Film & Top Actors)
| Year | Best Film (1st Prize) | Best Actor | Best Actress |
| 2016 | Maanagaram | Vijay Sethupathi (Puriyatha Puthir) | Keerthy Suresh (Paambhu Sattai) |
| 2017 | Aramm | Karthi (Theeran Adhigaram Ondru) | Nayanthara (Aramm) |
| 2018 | Pariyerum Perumal | Dhanush (Vada Chennai) | Jyothika (Chekka Chivantha Vaanam) |
| 2019 | Asuran | Dhanush (Asuran) & R. Parthiban (Oththa Seruppu) | Manju Warrier (Asuran) |
| 2020 | Koozhangal | Suriya (Soorarai Pottru) | Aparna Balamurali (Soorarai Pottru) |
| 2021 | Jai Bhim | Arya (Sarpatta Parambarai) | Lijomol Jose (Jai Bhim) |
| 2022 | Gargi | Vikram Prabhu (Taanakkaran) | Sai Pallavi (Gargi) |
Key Takeaways from the Announcement
- Double Wins for Dhanush: Dhanush emerged as a major winner, taking home the Best Actor award for two of his most iconic performances in Vada Chennai (2018) and Asuran (2019).
- Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Debut: The hit filmmaker’s debut, Maanagaram, was recognized as the Best Film of 2016, with Lokesh also winning Best Director.
- Social Impact Films: Socially conscious films like Jai Bhim, Pariyerum Perumal, and Aramm dominated the top prizes, reflecting the state’s appreciation for stories with strong social messages.
- Special Mentions: Several actors received Special Jury Awards, including S. Guru Somasundaram (Joker), Aishwarya Rajesh (Kanaa), and Dushara Vijayan (Natchathiram Nagargiradhu).
“To be recognized by the land that raised my dreams and shaped my art is an honor I will carry with humility,” said Dushara Vijayan in an emotional response to her win.
The awards also celebrated technical brilliance. A.R. Rahman and Santhosh Narayanan were among the recipients for Best Music Director, while Sudha Kongara (Soorarai Pottru) and T.J. Gnanavel (Jai Bhim) were named Best Directors for their respective years.
The upcoming ceremony is expected to be a star-studded affair, marking a grand celebration of Kollywood’s resilience and creativity over the past decade.
