The 70th National Film Awards were announced on Friday. Nithya Menen won the Best Actress Award for her role in Thiruchitrambalam. Menen played the much-acclaimed role of Shobana, the best friend of the protagonist, Pazham (played by Dhanush).
Menen was given the award along with Manasi Parekh, for her role in Kutch Express. This is the second consecutive time that the National Award for Best Actress has been shared by two actors. During the 69th National Film Awards, meant for films released in 2021, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon shared the Best Actress Award for their roles in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi, respectively.
Apart from Menen, Sanon, and Bhatt, recent recipients include Aparna Balamurali for Soorarai Pottru (2021), Kangana Ranaut for Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019) and Panga (2020), Keerthy Suresh for Mahanati (2018), and Sridevi for Mom (2017).
Thiruchitrambalam was written and directed by Mithran R. Jawahar and stars Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Bharathiraja, Prakash Raj, Raashii Khanna, and Priya Bhavani Shankar. This is Menen's first time winning the award.