After years of anticipation, the Tamil Nadu government has finally unveiled the State Film Awards for 2016 to 2022, celebrating the best in Tamil cinema across seven years. The awards honour outstanding
performances, direction, music, and filmmaking, highlighting both commercial hits and content-driven films. Thursday’s announcement saw leading stars such as Dhanush, Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi, and Suriya being recognised, while filmmakers including Lokesh Kanagaraj, Mari Selvaraj, and Sudha Kongara received top accolades. Actor-filmmaker R. Parthiepan emerged as one of the most celebrated personalities in the lineup.
Cash Prizes And Recognition
The Tamil Nadu State Film Awards come with more than just recognition. Winners receive a gold medal weighing one sovereign, a commemorative memento, an official certificate, and a cash award. The Best Film (First Prize) carries a prize of Rs 2 lakh, Second Prize films receive Rs 1 lakh, and Third Prize winners get Rs 75,000.
Full Winners List (2016–2022)
Best Film (First Prize): Maanagaram
Second Prize: Puriyatha Puthir
Third Prize: Maveeran Kittu
Best Actor: Vijay Sethupathi (Puriyatha Puthir)
Best Actress: Keerthy Suresh (Paambhu Sattai)
Best Comedian: Robo Shankar
Best Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj (Maanagaram)
Best Music Director: C.S. Sam (Puriyatha Puthir)
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Best Film (First Prize): Aramm
Second Prize: Vikram Vedha
Best Actor: Karthi (Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru)
Best Actress: Nayanthara (Aramm)
Best Comedian: Bala Saravanan
Best Director: Pushkar–Gayathri (Vikram Vedha)
Best Music Director: Hiphop Tamizha (Kavan)
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Best Film (First Prize): Pariyerum Perumal
Second Prize: Kadaikutty Singam
Best 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)
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Best Film (First Prize): Asuran
Second Prize: Otha Seruppu – Size 7
Best 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)
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Best Film (First Prize): Koozhangal
Second Prize: Soorarai Pottru
Best 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)
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Best Film (First Prize): Jai Bhim
Second Prize: Kadaisi Vivasayi
Best 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)
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Best Film (First Prize): Gargi
Second Prize: Taanakkaran
Best 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)
