Here’s why Vadivelu is the most deserving winner of CIFF’s Best Actor award

Vadivelu has won the Best Actor award for his recent film, Maamannan, at the 21st Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF). The Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation in Chennai organised the event from December 14 to 21, with support from the Tamil Nadu government. PVR Multiplex (formerly Sathyam Cinemas) and Anna Theatre, Chennai, were the venues of the film festival.

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Vadivelu’s exemplary performance

Vadiveli, who has been making people laugh for more than thirty years, gave a fantastic performance in Maamannan. Through this film, the actor has skillfully demonstrated his ability to play a variety of characters, from humorous to serious and rigid ones.

Vadivelu played MLA Maamannan, belonging to the Dalit community in Salem, in this political drama. He has performed the role with ease, with all the emotional depth of an oppressed individual in a society that is dominated by the privileged class. There may never be a moment when the audience doesn't feel sympathy for Maamannan throughout the film, which is unquestionably Vadivelu's triumph as an artist.

Film enthusiasts across the country praised the movie, which also starred Fahadh Faasil, Keerthy Suresh, and Udhayanidhi Stalin, for their outstanding performances and deft handling of a number of significant and timely social issues. Pariyerum Perumal-fame Mari Selvaraj directed the film, which was produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin under the banner of Red Giant Movies. Maamannan is streaming on Netflix.

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Other winners of the CIFF

R Manthira Moorthy's Ayothi bagged the Best Tamil Feature Film award, while Preethi Asrani won the Best Actress category for her performance in the film. Director Vetri Maaran was recognised with a Special Jury Award for his film Viduthalai Part 1. Both films are available on Zee 5. Suren G is the Best Sound Recordist for the film Maamannan, and Kalaiselvan Sivaji won the Best Cinematographer category for Por Thozhil. Nila, child artist in Sembi, was honoured with a Special Mention Certificate.

The Best Feature Film category under the World Cinema Feature Film Awards was given to the Romanian film Freedom (Libertate), directed by Tudor Giurgiu.

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