69th National Film Awards: It’s South Indian cinema Vs Bollywood this time

This year, there is a tough competition between Bollywood and regional cinema, especially Malayalam and Tamil movies.

Published Aug 24, 2023 | 3:06 PMUpdated Aug 24, 2023 | 3:08 PM

South Indian films in National Awards 2023

The winners of the 69th National Film Awards 2023 will be announced in New Delhi at 5 PM on 24 August.

The event will be live-streamed on the Facebook page and YouTube channel of the Press Information Bureau.

This time, the awards will see a tough competition between Bollywood and regional cinema, especially Malayalam and Tamil.

From Bollywood, Alia Bhatt and Kangana Ranaut are in the race for the Best Actress Award.

Alia Bhatt’s remarkable portrayal in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) positioned her as a top contender. Kangana Ranaut made it to the list due to her spellbinding performance in Thalaivii (2022).

South Indian films in fray

Coming to regional cinema, the Tamil films that are competing for the Best Film award include Dhanush’s Karnan (2021), Arya’s Sarpatta Parambarai (2021), Suriya’s Jai Bhim (2021), and Samuthirakani’s Vinodhaya Sitham (2021).

A poster of the film Jai Bhim

A poster of the film ‘Jai Bhim’. (Suriya/ Twitter)

Suriya, Dhanush, and Arya are competing for the best actor category as well.

Suriya shared the best actor award with Ajay Devgn last year for his performance in Soorarai Pottru (2020).

Directed by R Madhavan, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022) is another notable contender across various categories, with its eyes on the best actor prize.

Anirudh Ravichander has been nominated for best background music in Vijay-Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Master (2021).

Filmmakers TJ Gnanavel, Mari Selvaraj, and Pa Ranjith are in the fray for the prestigious award under the best director category.

Related: 68th National Film Awards: Suriya, Ajay Devgn share best actor award

Strong contenders 

A poster of the film Minnal Murali

A poster of the film ‘Minnal Murali’. (Basil Joseph/ Twitter)

Meanwhile, Nayattu (2021), Minnal Murali (2021), and Meppadiyan (2022) from the Malayalam industry are in the fray for the 69th National Film Awards 2023.

Joju George is a strong contender for best actor for his performance in Nayattu.

Minnal Murali, directed by Basil Joseph, is contesting for multiple awards.

As regards the Best Malayalam Film Award, Home (2021), Aavasavyuham (2022), Chavittu (2022), and Meppadiyan have made it to the final selection.

Meanwhile, Oscar-winning Musical Maestro Keeravani is anticipated to clinch the best music direction award for his compositions in the internationally acclaimed movie RRR (2022) directed by SS Rajamouli.

As far as Kannada films are concerned, Kantara (2022) is competing in various categories.

Related: MM Keeravani’s success sutra: Family is Team and Team is Family

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