Ponniyin Selvan 1 Team Honored at 70th National Film Awards: Mani Ratnam, AR Rahman, Ravi Varman
Picture Credits: India Today & Cinema Express & Movie Crow
By Pavethran Batmanathen
The 70th National Film Awards ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The prestigious event celebrated the best of Indian cinema from the year 2022, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the awards to the winners. Among the standout films was Ponniyin Selvan: I, the Tamil epic based on the literary masterpiece by Kalki Krishnamurthy, which took home four major awards.
Mani Ratnam, the renowned writer, director, and producer of Ponniyin Selvan: I, along with Subaskaran of Lyca Productions, received the esteemed Rajat Kamal medals for the film’s victory in the Best Tamil Film category. This marked yet another milestone in Mani Ratnam’s illustrious career, bringing his total National Film Award count to seven. His previous wins include Kannathil Muthamittal (2002 – Best Tamil Film), Bombay (1995 – Best Film on National Integration), Roja (1992 – Best Film on National Integration), Anjali (1990 – Best Tamil Film), Geethanjali (1989 – Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment), and Mouna Ragam (1986 – Best Tamil Film).
For acclaimed music composer AR Rahman, Ponniyin Selvan: I added another feather to his cap, as he received his seventh National Film Award for the film’s Best Background Score. Rahman’s previous National Awards include the same category win for the Hindi film Mom (2017). He has also won Best Music for Kaatru Veliyidai (2017), Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Minsara Kanavu (1996), Roja (1992), and for the Hindi blockbuster Lagaan (2001). The Grammy, Oscar, and BAFTA-winning composer’s recognition at the National Film Awards once again underscored his enduring brilliance and contribution to Indian cinema.
In addition to the wins for Best Tamil Film and Best Background Score, the technical brilliance of Ponniyin Selvan: I was acknowledged with two more accolades. Cinematographer Ravi Varman received recognition for his Best Cinematography, while sound designer Anand Krishnamoorthi was awarded for Best Sound Design, adding to the film’s sweeping success at the ceremony.
Following the awards presentation, Mani Ratnam expressed his gratitude in an interview with DD News. Reflecting on the significance of the National Film Awards, he said, “It comes from the government of India, and you’re receiving it from the hands of the President of India. It’s something very special.” He also spoke about the immense challenge of adapting Kalki Krishnamurthy’s beloved epic, which has been adored by Tamil readers for more than half a century. “Ponniyin Selvan is a huge classic novel, it’s been loved by the Tamil people for over 50, 60 years. So to take that and try to bring it down into a film or two was a big challenge,” he added.
One of the more heartwarming moments of the evening occurred when veteran Tamil actress and BJP politician Khushboo Sundar gave Mani Ratnam a standing ovation as he accepted his award. Her spontaneous gesture was widely noticed by the Tamil film audience, and a video clip of Khushboo applauding the legendary filmmaker has since gained traction online, adding a personal touch to the evening’s celebrations.
The recognition of Ponniyin Selvan: I at the 70th National Film Awards not only highlights the film’s artistic and technical achievements but also reinforces the cultural importance of this epic tale. The collective effort of the cast and crew, led by Mani Ratnam, has made Ponniyin Selvan a cinematic triumph, further solidifying its place in the annals of Tamil cinema.
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