Filmmaker Mani Ratnam has been honored with the National Award for Best Tamil Film for his 2022 film Ponniyin Selvan:I.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Ponniyin Selvan is an adaptation of the beloved Tamil historical novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy and has garnered widespread acclaim for its direction, storytelling, and stunning visuals.
After receiving the award, Mani Ratnam emphasized the significance of the story and expressed his pride in bringing it to the big screen. “It’s a huge classic. It’s written in Tamil. And it’s been the very popular, most loved Tamil literature that’s been there, and I was very happy to be able to make it into a film,” Ratnam shared.
The film, directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam, achieved great success in its home state of Tamil Nadu and resonated strongly with the Tamil diaspora worldwide. Ponniyin Selvan: I is based on the life of the esteemed emperor Rajaraja I of the Chola Empire, weaving a rich tapestry of historical fiction.
In addition to its Tamil release, the film performed well in its Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada dubbed versions across India, further showcasing its widespread appeal and the strength of Mani Ratnam’s storytelling. This recognition marks another significant achievement in Ratnam’s illustrious career, solidifying his legacy as one of India’s foremost filmmakers.
