Tamil Nadu State Film Awards Announced: Five Malayali Actresses Dominate Best Actress Category
The Tamil Nadu government has officially announced the State Film Awards for the years 2016 to 2022, and the results highlight a remarkable Malayali presence, especially in the Best Actress category, which has been dominated by Malayalam actresses for five consecutive years.
The long-pending awards, covering seven years of Tamil cinema excellence, celebrate outstanding performances across acting, direction, music, and technical categories.
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Among the biggest highlights is the extraordinary achievement of five Malayali actresses winning the Best Actress award, underlining Kerala’s strong artistic influence in Tamil cinema.
Best Actor Winners (2016–2022)
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2016 – Vijay Sethupathi (Puriyaatha Puthir)
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2017 – Karthi (Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru)
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2018 – Dhanush (Vada Chennai)
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2019 – Parthiban (Otha Seruppu Size 7)
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2020 – Suriya (Soorarai Pottru)
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2021 – Arya (Sarpatta Parambarai)
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2022 – Vikram Prabhu (Taanakkaran)
Best Actress Winners (2016–2022)
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2016 – Keerthy Suresh (Paambu Sattai)
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2017 – Nayanthara (Aramm)
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2018 – Jyothika (Chekka Chivantha Vaanam)
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2019 – Manju Warrier (Asuran)
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2020 – Aparna Balamurali (Soorarai Pottru)
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2021 – Lijomol Jose (Jai Bhim)
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2022 – Sai Pallavi (Gargi)
Notably, Keerthy Suresh, Nayanthara, Manju Warrier, Aparna Balamurali, and Lijomol Jose—all Malayali actresses—feature prominently among the Best Actress winners, marking a rare and historic streak.
More Malayali Achievements
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Urvashi won the Best Comedian (2017) for Magalir Mattum
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Vaikom Vijayalakshmi received Best Female Playback Singer (2016) for Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran
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Varsha Ranjith won Best Female Playback Singer (2020) for the song “Aagayam Mele” from Thai Nilam
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Veteran actor Rahman was honoured with the Best Villain Award
Best Directors Honoured
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Lokesh Kanagaraj (Maanagaram)
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Mari Selvaraj (Pariyerum Perumal)
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Sudha Kongara (Soorarai Pottru)
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T.J. Gnanavel (Jai Bhim)
Best Films of the Year
Award-winning films across the years include Maanagaram, Aramm, Asuran, and Jai Bhim, each celebrated for strong storytelling and social relevance.
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The awards will be presented on February 13 at the Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai, by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Winners in acting categories will receive a one-sovereign gold medal, memento, and certificate, while Best Film awards carry a cash prize of up to ₹2 lakh.
