Tamil Nadu State Awards For 2016-2022 Announced: Dhanush, Karthi, Lokesh Kanagaraj Win Big - See Full Winners List, Cash Prize

On January 30, Thursday, the Tamil Nadu government officially announced the long-pending State Film Awards for the years 2016 to 2022 recognising outstanding contributions to Tamil cinema across seven

years. The awards celebrate excellence in acting, direction, music, and filmmaking, throwing light on mainstream successes and content-driven Tamil films. Several leading stars, including Dhanush, Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi,, and Suriya, have been named for their acclaimed performances, while filmmakers like Lokesh Kanagaraj, Mari Selvaraj, and Sudha Kongara received top accolades. Actor-filmmaker R. Parthiepan emerged as one of the biggest winners across multiple categories.

What Is The Cash Prize Given To Tamil Nadu State Award Winners?

The Tamil Nadu State Film Awards not only recognise artistic excellence but also reward monetary amount to honour cinematic achievement. Each award includes a gold medal weighing one sovereign, a commemorative memento, and an official certificate. The Best Film (First Prize) is accompanied by a cash award of Rs 2 lakh. Films receiving the Second Prize are awarded Rs 1 lakh, while the Third Prize carries a cash prize of Rs 75,000.

Tamil Nadu State Awards For 2016-2022 Winners: From Nayanthara To Sai Pallavi - Here's Who Won

Several prominent actors including Arya, Vikram Prabhu, Keerthy Suresh, Nayanthara, Jyothika, Manju Warrier, Aparna Balamurali, Lijomol Jose, and Sai Pallavi were honoured for their acclaimed performances. Filmmakers such as Mari Selvaraj, received top recognition for their impactful storytelling. Music composers including A.R. Rahman, Santhosh Narayanan, Sean Roldan, G.V. Prakash Kumar, and Hiphop Tamizha were also acknowledged for their memorable music in films.Full Winners List2016

Best Film (First Prize): MaanagaramSecond Prize: Puriyatha PuthirThird Prize: Maveeran KittuBest Actor: Vijay Sethupathi (Puriyatha Puthir)Best Actress: Keerthy Suresh (Paambhu Sattai)Best Comedian: Robo ShankarBest Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj (Maanagaram)Best Music Director: C.S. Sam (Puriyatha Puthir)2017

Best Film (First Prize): ArammSecond Prize: Vikram VedhaThird Prize: TharamaniBest Actor: Karthi (Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru)Best Actress: Nayanthara (Aramm)Best Comedian: Bala SaravananBest Director: Pushkar–Gayathri (Vikram Vedha)Best Music Director: Hiphop Tamizha (Kavan)2018

Best Film (First Prize): Pariyerum PerumalSecond Prize: Kadaikutty SingamThird Prize: 96Best Actor: Dhanush (Vada Chennai)Best Actress: Jyothika (Chekka Chivantha Vaanam)Best Comedian: Yogi Babu (Mohini)Best Director: Mari Selvaraj (Pariyerum Perumal)Best Music Director: Santhosh Narayanan (Vada Chennai)2019

Best Film (First Prize): AsuranSecond Prize: Otha Seruppu – Size 7Third Prize: ComaliBest Actor: R. Parthiban (Otha Seruppu – Size 7)Best Actress: Manju Warrier (Asuran)Best Comedian: Karunakaran (Monster)Best Director: R. Parthiban (Otha Seruppu – Size 7)Best Music Director: Thaman (Magamuni)2020

Best Film (First Prize): KoozhangalSecond Prize: Soorarai PottruThird Prize: SandakkariBest Actor: Suriya (Soorarai Pottru)Best Actress: Aparna Balamurali (Soorarai Pottru)Best Comedian: Rakshan (Kannum Kannum)Best Director: Sudha Kongara (Soorarai Pottru)Best Music Director: G.V. Prakash Kumar (Soorarai Pottru)2021

Best Film (First Prize): Jai BhimSecond Prize: Kadaisi VivasayiThird Prize: KarnanBest Actor: Arya (Sarpatta Parambarai)Best Actress: Lijomol Jose (Jai Bhim)Best Comedian: Yogi Babu (Doctor)Best Director: T.J. Gnanavel (Jai Bhim)Best Music Director: Sean Roldan (Jai Bhim)2022

Best Film (First Prize): GargiSecond Prize: TaanakkaranThird Prize: WitnessBest Actor: Vikram Prabhu (Taanakkaran)Best Actress: Sai Pallavi (Gargi)Best Comedian: Robo Shankar (Iravin Nizhal)Best Director: Gowtham Ramachandran (Gargi)Best Music Director: A.R. Rahman (Ponniyin Selvan – I)