He was nominated in the best director category along with other Indian filmmakers like Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Rahul Sadasivan, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
Published Aug 17, 2024 | 5:15 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 17, 2024 | 5:15 PM
Nithilan Saminathan with Vijay Sethupathi on the sets of 'Maharaja'. (X)
Tamil filmmaker Nithilan Saminathan, who helmed Vijay Sethupathi’s superhit film Maharaja (2024), has bagged the Best Director Award for the flick at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IIFM).
Maharaja became a tremendous hit because of its intense plot and Vijay Sethupathi’s awe-inspiring performance. It received huge appreciation from the majority of the audience across the languages.
Nithilan Saminathan was nominated in the best director category along with other Indian filmmakers like Imtiaz Ali (Amar Singh Chamkila), Kabir Khan (Chandu Champion), Karan Johar (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani), Rajkumar Hirani (Dunki), Rahul Sadasivan (Bramayugam), and Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail).
On being declared the Best Director at the IIFM, Nithilan Saminathan said he was truly happy to see his film getting international recognition and everything was possible only through team effort.
“I’m at a loss for words; it’s a surreal moment to see our film Maharaja garner international acclaim. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Vijay Sethupathi and Sudhan sir from Passion Studios for this incredible opportunity. This achievement would not have been possible without their support,” the director said.
He further added, “I am also grateful to every member of the team, our friends in the film industry, and the media for laying the groundwork for this success. My sincere thanks to the jury at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for this recognition. Such accolades inspire me to pursue more meaningful projects in the future.”
Maharaja was released in theatres on 14 June. It received critical acclaim and commercial success in all languages. This is the 50th movie of Vijay Sethupathi and is now streaming on Netflix.
Thank you @IFFMelb
I’m pleased with this recognition and my wishes to everyone won and team @IFFMelb for this wonderful festival ❤️#Maharaja#VJS50 pic.twitter.com/zMJLoSS70v— Nithilan Saminathan (@Dir_Nithilan) August 17, 2024
The film also stars Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, and Natarajan Subramaniam in pivotal roles alongside Abhirami, Aruldoss, Munishkanth, Boys Manikandan, Singam Puli, Bharathiraja, Kalki, Vinod Sagar, and Sachana Namidass.
Sudhan Sundaram produced Maharaja under his banner Passion Studios in association with Jagadish Palanisamy’s The Route. The cinematography was handled by Dinesh Purushothaman. B Ajaneesh Loknath composed the songs and background music.
The film’s title and promotional materials gave the impression that it would be a mass entertainer. However, Nithilan Saminathan surprised everyone by presenting actor Vijay Sethupathi as a common man and an ordinary father who seeks justice for his daughter, who is brutally raped.
Maharaja also drew wide criticism for glorifying violence and bloodshed besides promoting instant justice. However, the film entered the ₹100-crore club because of its raw content and the pertinent points it raised regarding sexual violence.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
