Filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy has shared his thoughts after winning the National Film Award for Best Director for Amaran, saying that while he is grateful for the honour, he had also hoped to see the film's lead actors, Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, recognised with acting awards.
Speaking to Puthiya Thalaimurai, Rajkumar said, "I had expected the National Awards for both Best Actor and Best Actress to go to Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi as well. But I am happy with this recognition nonetheless."
The director described the Best Director honour as one of the National Film Awards' most prestigious accolades, adding that it carries a greater sense of responsibility. "Among the National Film Awards, only five or six categories come under the Golden Lotus honours, and Best Director is one of them. I am delighted to have received it. While I am proud of this recognition, I also feel it has placed an added responsibility on my shoulders."
Rajkumar also expressed pride that a Tamil film had earned recognition on the national stage. "More than my personal achievement, what gives me immense pride is that a regional film has won a pan-Indian honour like the National Award for Best Director."
Amaran, starring Sivakarthikeyan as Major Mukund Varadarajan and Sai Pallavi as Indhu Rebecca Varghese, released in October 2024 to widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. The biographical war drama went on to gross over Rs 300 crore worldwide, emerging as one of Tamil cinema's biggest blockbusters of the year.
The National Award win further cements the film's legacy. Rajkumar is currently working on Om, his next directorial venture, starring Dhanush and Mammootty, with Sai Pallavi also playing a pivotal role.