Wrap-up: Akshay right choice, says Priyadarshan

Priyadarshan, the chairperson of the feature film section for the National Film Awards, says he does not understand why people are questioning his frequent collaborator Akshay Kumar’s best actor win. The filmmaker has collaborated with Akshay in films like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiya, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha. Many in social media are attributing Akshay’s win to his close proximity to Priyadarshan.

But the director says last year Ramesh Sippy was head of the jury and none questioned his good friend Amitabh Bachchan’s best actor win, so why should he and Akshay be subjected to such allegations.

The filmmaker also clarified that Akshay's performance in Rustom and “Airlift” were considered by the jury during the selection process.

However, as only the name of one film could be mentioned, the list featured courtroom drama Rustom.

Good show by regional cinema

Best Feature Film: Kasaav  (Marathi)
Best Direction: Rajesh Mapuskar for  Ventilator (Marathi)
Best Actor: Akshay Kumar for Rustom
Best Actress: Surabhi C.M for Minnaminungu (Malayalam)
Best Supporting Actor: Manoj Joshi for Dashakriya (Marathi)
Best Supporting Actress: Zaira Wasim for Dangal
Best Male Playback Singer: Sundharayyar for song Jasmie E from film Joker (Tamil)
Best Female Playback Singer: Iman Chakraborty for song Tumi Jaake Bhalo Basho from film “Praktan” (Bengali)
Best Cinematography:
S. Thirunavukarasu for “24”
Best Screenplay: Syam Pushkaran for “Maheshinte Prathikooram”
Screenplay Writer (Adapted): Sanjay Krishnaji Patil for Dashakriya (Marathi)
Best Dialogues: Tarun Bhascker for Telugu movie Pelli  Choopulu.