NEW DELHI, March 7 � Marathi film Deool and Byari, both dealing with man�s engagement with religion, shared the best feature film award, while The Dirty Picture star Vidya Balan was named the best actress at the 59th National Awards, announced here today, reports PTI.
Deool lead star Girish Kulkarni won the best actor and best dialogue at the awards where key categories were dominated by regional films.
Directed by Umesh Kulkarni, Deool is a wonderfully authentic depiction of village life and a penetrating account of commercialisation of religion. �It is very encouraging for us who want to make movies without compromising on content. I am really happy for Girish. He is a very versatile and genuine actor,� Umesh told PTI.
Actor Girish, who played a village simpleton in the film, said the honour came as a huge surprise. �I am very happy. It was a tough role for me as I come from an urban community while the film is set in a rural landscape.�
Byari, the first feature film in the Byari language, conveys the trauma of a woman who has to deal with unjust religious strictures. It has been directed by KP Suveeran. �Byari is an ethnic society trapped in their own faiths and beliefs, having its own traditions and distinct cultural identity. I did a lot of research on the society and their beliefs,� Suveeran said.
Gurvinder Singh from Punjab won the best direction award for his film Anhe Ghorey Da Daan.
The best feature film and best direction awards carry a Swarna Kamal and cash prize of Rs 2,50,000 each. The best actor and actress get a Rajat Kamal and Rs 50,000 each.
The Indira Gandhi award for the best debut film of a director went to Tamil filmmaker Kumararaja Thiagarajan for his movie Aaranyakandam.
Anjan Dutt won a special mention by the jury for his versatility while his film Ronjona Ami Aar Ashbona bagged the best Bengali film award.
The awards were announced here by actress Rohini Hattangady, who headed the 11-member jury for the feature film category. The trophies will be handed to the winners by the President in a ceremony on May 3.
