Tamil film Koozhangal wins the Tiger Award at Rotterdam Film Festival

The Tamil film Koozhangal on Sunday won the prestigious Tiger Award at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR). This is the first Tamil film and second Indian film after Sanal Kumar Sasidharan's S Durga to bag the top honour.

Directed by first-time helmer PS Vinothraj, the film has been produced by actress Nayanthara and director Vignesh Shivn.

As per a tweet from IFFR, the jury described the film as a lesson in pure cinema.

Pebbles by Vinothraj P.S. wins the 2021 Tiger Award

The #TigerAward goes to Pebbles directed by Indian filmmaker Vinothraj P.S. The jury described the film as “a lesson in pure cinema”.

More on the film and all award winners: https://t.co/g9NEsh7iP1 pic.twitter.com/4mY5pg1mRC

— IFFR (@IFFR) February 7, 2021

A thrilled Vignesh took to Twitter on Sunday night to share the news. He wrote: “First Production of Rowdy Pictures wins one of the most prestigious international award! First Tamil film to win this award 2021... Can’t be happier (sic).”

First Production of @Rowdy_Pictures wins one of the most prestigious international award !

First Tamil film to win this award 🥇😇😇

2021 #TigerAward winner #Koozhangal #Pebbles

Can’t be happier ! :) @PsVinothraj @thisisysr @Rowdy_Pictures #Nayanthara https://t.co/P8K0R8jF5g

— Vignesh Shivan (@VigneshShivN) February 7, 2021

Koozhangal, the international title of which is Pebbles, tells the story of an impoverished father and son. Featuring only newcomers, the film boasts music by Yuvan Shankar Raja. 

Recently, Vignesh said in a statement, “There are certain days that become precious and valuable when we come across a film that makes us proud of the field we are associated with. One such moment was watching this beautiful movie Koozhangal, which marks the directorial debut of PS Vinothraj. The film’s premise is as simple as the title but created an exquisitely loveable impact within.

“Koozhangal didn’t steal our attention for a spellbinding performance of new actors and technical crew but stirred our souls with the adorable background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Such an experience instantly instilled in us the excitement to not just present the film theatrically, but also take it to international film festivals and take over the entire production as well. We are proud to present this film for you in the hope that it will make an impact on you as well,” he added.  

This is the second production venture of Nayanthara and Vignesh. The couple recently produced the Tamil thriller Netrikann under their home banner, Rowdy Pictures. The film stars the actress as a blind woman trying to nab a serial killer.