South side story

That the South films have matched ahead of their Hindi counterparts is a foregone conclusion by now. Our South Awards, which were held at Bangalore this year, are a shining example of that. Look at some of the films which did well at the awards.

- JITESH PILLAAI

Jai Bhim, winner of the Best Film Award in Tamil, talked about the rights of the downtrodden. It was based on a true case fought by justice K Chandru. The film brought to light the harassment and bias faced by lower caste people even today. It brought forth the fact prejudices haven't faded with time and the government machinery too has a callous attitude towards such practices.

To make such a film with a mass hero Suriya was a brave act and the makers gained hugely by the move as it proved to be both a critical and commercial hit. Suriya won the Best Actor In A Leading Role (Male) trophy for his role in Soorarai Pottru, which was a film based on the life of Air Deccan founder GR Gopinath. What a wonderful film it was and both Suriya and Sudha Kongara, who won the Best Director Award, were deserving winners.