A group of talented South Indian actors have achieved an incredible feat by winning various awards at 69 National Awards. The 69th National Film Awards of 2023 witnessed a spectacular triumph for the South Indian film industry, as numerous South films and actors claimed victory.
The Best Actor award primarily garnered everyone's attention this year. This resounding success has not only brought immense pride to the South film industry but has also captivated the attention of the nation, turning the spotlight toward South India's cinematic excellence.
This, however, isn't the first occasion where a South Indian actor has secured a National Award. There are several actors from the past who have already achieved this distinction. Now, let's take a look at the popular South actors who have won National Awards over these 69 years.
Allu Arjun
Allu Arjun, who impressed everyone with his role as Pushpa Raj in the hit movie Pushpa: The Rise, won the Best Actor award. This is a big deal because he's the first Telugu actor to win this award in 68 years. Allu Arjun captured the hearts of the audience with his portrayal of Pushpa Raj. He went through a major transformation for the role, altering everything from his way of speaking and moving to his acting style, completely embodying the character of Pushpa Raj. One of the standout elements of Pushpa is undoubtedly Allu Arjun's performance. His unique body language and the charismatic swagger in the dialogue Thaggede Le gained him a multitude of fans. It's hard to find anyone, young or old, who hasn't tried to imitate Allu Arjun's iconic Pushpa Raj body language and famous line.
Kamal Haasan and Mammootty
Kamal Haasan and Mammootty stand as exceptional figures, each having secured the esteemed honour thrice. Mammootty's National Award victories were attributed to his stellar performances in the films Mathilukal, Ponthan Mada, and Vidheyan. Kamal Haasan's outstanding contributions led to his wins for Indian, Nayakan, and Moondram Pirai.
Dhanush
Tamil actor Dhanush has been recognized twice as the best actor by the National Awards, achieving this accolade in the years 2010 and 2018 for his remarkable portrayals in Aadukalam and Asuran.
Suriya
Tamil actor Suriya's outstanding performance in the film Soorarai Pottru earned him the coveted National Award in the year 2020.
M. G. Ramachandran
M. G. Ramachandran, the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, secured the National Award for his compelling performance in Rickshawkaran in 1971. However, he declined the award.
M. V. Vasudeva Rao
In 1975, Kannada actor M. V. Vasudeva Rao's exceptional portrayal in Chomana Dudi earned him the esteemed National Award.
Bharath Gopi
The year 1977 witnessed Malayalam actor Bharath Gopi's triumph as he clinched the National Award for his remarkable role in Kodiyettam.
Balan K. Nair
Another luminary of Malayalam cinema, Balan K. Nair, garnered the National Award in 1980 for his standout performance in Oppol.
Charuhasan
Kannada actor Charuhasan's impactful acting in Tabarana Kathe was celebrated with a National Award in 1986.
Vikram
Tamil actor Vikram's unforgettable portrayal in Pithamagan earned him the National Award in 2003
Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj's exceptional acting in Kanchivaram secured the accolade in 2007
Suraj Venjaramoodu
Malayalam actor Suraj Venjaramoodu won National award in the year 2013 for a film Perariyathavar.
Sanchari Vijay
Kannada actor Sanchari Vijay's powerful role in Naanu Avanalla...Avalu clinched the National Award in 2014.
Also, Nivin Pauly won the award in 2015 for the film Malarvadi Arts Club (Malayalam) in the category of Best Actor (Special Mention). Nivin Pauly's breakthrough role in Malarvadi Arts Club earned him a Special Mention for his promising talent.
On the other hand, Vijay Sethupathi, in the year 2016 for the film Super Deluxe (Tamil), won Best Supporting Actor. Vijay Sethupathi's portrayal of a transgender woman in Super Deluxe was both poignant and powerful, earning him accolades.
