AR Rahman wins two National Awards; Jayaraj wins Best Director Award for Bhayanakam

Musician AR Rahman has walked away with two National Awards — one for Best Music Direction and the other for Best Background Score, at the 65th National Film Awards, which were announced in New Delhi today.

Rahman won the award for Best Music direction for his songs in the film Kaatru Veliyidai, which was directed by Mani Ratnam, and the award for Best Background Score for his work in actress Sridevi's last film, Mom. With these two awards, the total number of National Awards that Rahman has won has gone up to six. 

Interestingly, singer Shashaa Tirupati, who sang the song 'Vaan' from Mani Ratnam's Kaatru Veliyidai with Rahman's music, walked away with the award for the Best Female Singer. Eminent singer KJ Yesudas won the award for the Best Male Singer. 

Rahman and Shashaa's wins have delighted the team of Ratnam's Kaatru Veliyidai. Aditi Rao Hydari, who played the female lead in the film, expressed her happiness by taking to Twitter.

Cinematographer Chezhiyan's first film as director, To Let, was chosen as the Best Regional Feature Film in Tamil. Interestingly, the film is yet to be released in theatres. Chezhiyan is a brilliant cinematographer who has worked on a number of big hits including, Kalloori (2017), Paradesi (2013), the National award winning Thenmerkku Paruvakaatru (2010), and Joker. The film is about a couple with a child who are looking to rent a place to stay.

Rana Daggubatti's Ghazi, which is India's first film on submarine warfare, was chosen as the Best Regional Film in Telugu. The Best Regional Film in Kannada went to Hebbettu Ramakka and the award for the Best Regional Film in Malayalam went to the brilliantly made, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. Faahadh Faasil, who played a chain snatcher in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, bagged the award for the Best Supporting Actor(Male) for his scintillatingly funny role in this film. 

Malayalam films came out on top with the National Award for Best Direction going to director Jayaraj for his film Bhayanakam.

One of the biggest blockbusters to have ever been made, Baahubali: The Conclusion, won three awards. It won Awards for Best Action Choreography, Best Special Effects and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

The award for the Best Film was won by an Assamese film called Village Rockstars. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime achievement was conferred on late actor Vinod Khanna.

Here's the full list of winners