68th National Film Awards: Editor Sreekar Prasad wins it for the ninth time

Sreekar Prasad won his ninth award in the Best Editing category for Sivaranjiniyum Innum Sila Pengalum, directed by Vasanth, at 68th National Awards.

The editor, who bagged his first award for the 1989 film, Raakh, says that the joy of receiving the honour remains unscathed after even 33 years. “Winning an award, especially a National Award, is always special.”

Talking to Cinema Express, an elated Sreekar says, “It feels great. Of course, it is a surprise, a good one, because I wasn’t following the awards until someone called me and told me that it was being streamed live on YouTube. It is always a pleasure to have your work validated by the national body.” 

The editor punctuates his surprise further. “Honestly, when you work on a film, you do not really do it expecting awards. I am glad I won the award for a film that took cinema seriously.”

With a career spanning well over three-and-a-half decades, having edited films in 17 languages, Sreekar feels an appreciation is always “rejuvenating and encouraging”. “We, as a team are happy. Many people are connecting with me and it is, indeed, a moment to remember.”

Sreekar’s previous National Awards include Raakh (1989), Rag Birag (1997), Nauka Caritramu (1997), The Terrorist (1998), Vaanaprastham (2000), Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Firaaq (2008), and a special jury award in 2010 for Kutty Srank, Kaminey and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja.

Interestingly, Sivaranjiniyum Innum Sila Pengalum also bagged two more awards: Best Tamil Feature and Best Supporting Actress for Lakshmipriyaa Chandramouli.