Star-spangled show on cards

THIS YEAR'S most talked about film was ``Sethu''. The film won attention for the performance of actor Vikram and actress Abitha and debutant director Bala's work.

Bala, who was assistant to Balu Mahendra, went about telling his ``Sethu'' story to the major producers, but only A. Kandasamy was ready to take up the venture, despite an initial setback. This film has now bagged the best film spot and its director also rode into top spot, in the 47th Annual Filmfare awards.

Best actor is Ajit, for his performance in ``Vaalee''. Last year was also the year of ``Padayappa'' and Ramya Krishnan walks off with the best actress award. The best music director is A. R. Rahman for his score in ``Muthalvan''.

In Malayalam the best film award goes to ``Veendum Chila Veetu Karyangal'' produced by P. V. Gangadharan, president of the Film Federation of India, apex body of the Indian film industry. Shyama Prasad is best director award for ``Agnisakshi''. Mohanlal is best actor for his performance in ``Vanaprastham and Manju Warrier the best actress award for ``Pathram''. Vidya Sagar's music in the film ``Niram'' has fetched him the best music director award.

Tamil film producer R. B. Chowdry's Telugu venture ``Raja'' has been adjudged best film, in the awards for Telugu. B. Gopal's ``Samarasasimha Reddy'' has won him the best director award. Chiranjeevi and Soundarya are best actor and actress for ``Sneham Kosam'' and ``Raja''. The same film wins the best music director award for S. A. Raj Kumar.

In Kannada, legendary Dr. Raj Kumar's son Shivraj Kumar is the best actor, for his performance in ``AK-47''. Director Upendra bags the gold for his eponymous film ``Upendra'' which gets two awards - for best film and for his directorial effort.

Tara wins the best actress title, for her moving performance in ``Kanooru Heggadathi'' and K. Kalyan the award for the best score in ``Chandramuki Pranasakhi''. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on April 22 and it will be telecast live on Vijay TV.

By S. R. Ashok Kumar

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Section  : Entertainment