Filmfare has unveiled the winners of the 68th Filmfare Awards South, honouring the best in South Indian cinema for the year 2022. After a hiatus last year due to unforeseen circumstances, the prestigious awards have returned to celebrate the exceptional talent and significant contributions across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada film industries.
In Telugu cinema, RRR emerged as a standout, clinching the Best Film Telugu Award. The film’s leading stars, N.T.R. Jr. and Ram Charan, were recognised as the Best Actors in a Leading Role (Male) for their powerhouse performances. Mrunal Thakur was awarded Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for her acclaimed role in Sita Ramam, while S. S. Rajamouli secured the Best Director Award by Popular Choice for his visionary work on RRR.
Tamil cinema saw a monumental achievement with Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 being honoured as the Best Film Tamil. Renowned director Mani Ratnam received the Best Director Award by Popular Choice for his masterful direction. Kamal Haasan was awarded Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his powerful performance in Vikram and Sai Pallavi won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for her role in Gargi.
In Malayalam cinema, Darshana Rajendran was recognised as the Best Actress for her compelling performance in Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey. Kunchacko Boban won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for Nna Thaan Case Kodu, which also took home the Best Film Award in the Malayalam category. The Best Director Malayalam Award went to Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval for his work on Nna Thaan Case Kodu.
Kannada cinema saw Kiranraj K awarded Best Director for his acclaimed film 777 Charlie. Kantara was celebrated as the Best Film Kannada. Chaithra J Achar won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for her role in Taledanda, while Rishab Shetty was honored as Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his blockbuster performance in Kantara.
Rohit Gopakumar, Director of Worldwide Media and CEO of ZENL BCCL TV & Digital Network, congratulated all the winners, stating, “Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema have profoundly influenced us with their stellar performances and creative brilliance, setting new benchmarks for Indian cinema. Filmfare remains committed to honoring this exceptional talent, and with the continued support of our audiences, we will uphold this dedication. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions.”
Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief of Filmfare, expressed his delight, saying, “We are beyond thrilled to honor the exceptional artistry, creativity, and dedication within Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada film industries. Filmfare takes immense pride in celebrating these brilliant performances, and I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the winners for their well-deserved victories.”
The 68th Filmfare Awards South has indeed highlighted the remarkable achievements in regional cinema, reaffirming the vibrant and diverse landscape of Indian filmmaking.
Below are the awards Telugu cinema bagged:
Best Film: RRR
Best Director: SS Rajamouli (RRR)
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Jr NTR and Ram Charan (RRR)
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Mrunal Thakur (Sita Ramam)
Best Film (Critics): Sita Ramam (Hanu Raghavapudi)
Best Actor (Critics): Dulquer Salmaan (Sita Ramam)
Best Actress (Critics): Sai Pallavi (Virata Parvam)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Rana Daggubati (Bheemla Nayak)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Nandita Das (Virata Parvam)
Best Music Album: MM Keeravani (RRR)
Best Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry for Kaanunna Kalyanam from Sita Ramam
Best Playback Singer (Male): Kaala Bhairava for Komuram Bheemudo from RRR
Best Playback Singer (Female): Chinmayi Sripada for Oh Prema from Sita Ramam
Best Choreography: Prem Rakshith (Naatu Naatu from RRR)
Best Production Design: Sabu Cyril (RRR)
