Udhayanidhi Stalin Gives Out Film Awards Chosen by a Committee

Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister, has given out awards to filmmakers. A special committee picked the winners based on their film work. This shows how the government supports the arts.
By Newsroom | Arts and Culture, Tamil Nadu |

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin recently presented the Tamil Nadu Government M.G.R Film and Television Institute Awards. These awards, recognizing achievements in cinema, were reportedly chosen by a dedicated committee. The event saw several directors, including Lokesh Kanagaraj for "Maanagaram" and Pushkar-Gayathri for "Vikram Vedha," honored for their directorial work. Other notable recipients for best director included Mari Selvaraj, R. Parthiban, Sudha Kongara, T.J. Gnanavel, and Gautham Ramachandran. This distribution of film accolades by a prominent political figure underscores the intersection of government and the arts in the region.

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Background of the Awards Ceremony

The presentation of the Tamil Nadu Government M.G.R Film and Television Institute Awards signifies an official recognition of talent within the Tamil film industry. While Udhayanidhi Stalin is a well-known figure in both film production and politics, his current role as Deputy Chief Minister positions him to oversee such cultural recognitions. The selection process, as stated, was handled by a committee, suggesting a structured approach to identifying awardees rather than direct personal selection.

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  • Award Body: Tamil Nadu Government M.G.R Film and Television Institute

  • Presented By: Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister

  • Selection Process: Committee-based

Honored Filmmakers and Their Works

The individuals recognized for best director awards represent a diverse range of critically acclaimed films:

Udhayanidhi felicitates film artistes, says awards chosen by committee - 3

  • Lokesh Kanagaraj: "Maanagaram"

  • Pushkar-Gayathri: "Vikram Vedha"

  • Mari Selvaraj: "Pariyerum Perumal"

  • R. Parthiban: "Otha Seruppu-Size 7"

  • Sudha Kongara: "Soorarai Pottru"

  • T.J. Gnanavel: "Jai Bhim"

  • Gautham Ramachandran: "Gargi"

  • Kannan: "Neeyum Bommai Naanum Bommai"

  • A.K. Kranthi: "Adharma"

  • S. Ram Kumar: "Sheeps Vanished in the Herd"

These selections span various years, indicating that the awards may be consolidating recognition over a period.

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Udhayanidhi Stalin's Multifaceted Career

Udhayanidhi Stalin possesses a background that bridges the entertainment and political spheres. Prior to his current governmental responsibilities, he was actively involved in film production and acting. His career in politics has seen a relatively rapid progression within the DMK party. This dual involvement allows him to engage with the film community both as a producer and, now, as a representative of the state government presenting industry awards.

Broader Context of State-Sponsored Film Awards

The presentation of these awards is part of a larger governmental effort to acknowledge and promote the cultural sector, specifically the film industry. Similar state-run awards exist to honor artists and technicians, fostering a connection between government and the creative arts. Recent announcements of Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for the period 2016-2022 also highlight this ongoing engagement, with prominent actors and directors receiving top honors. The venue for these awards was slated to be the Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai.

Public Engagement and Other Felicitation Events

Beyond film awards, Udhayanidhi Stalin has been involved in various public felicitation events. These include:

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  • Honoring para-athletes with cash awards totaling ₹1.12 crore for their achievements in the Khelo India Para Games.

  • Distributing sports equipment and financial aid through the Tamil Nadu Champions Trust Fund to athletes.

  • Recognizing police personnel and students as part of the ‘Drug Free Tamil Nadu’ campaign, presenting Chief Minister’s Police Medals and educational grants.

  • Felicitation of winners of the Tamil Nadu Skill Competition 2025, emphasizing the government's focus on student employability.

These instances demonstrate a pattern of public engagement involving recognition and support for diverse groups, from athletes to students and law enforcement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who gave out the film awards?
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, gave out the awards.
Q: How were the winners chosen?
A special committee chose the winners based on their work in films.
Q: What kind of awards were these?
These were the Tamil Nadu Government M.G.R Film and Television Institute Awards, given to recognize talent in cinema.