Chennai: South Indian cinema’s leading star Nayanthara has expressed gratitude after winning the Best Actress honour at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, calling the recognition a “blessing”. The actor took to social media to thank everyone who voted for her and supported her journey, marking the moment as one of the most meaningful achievements of her career.

The Tamil Nadu government recently announced the long-pending State Film Awards for the years 2016 to 2022, recognising outstanding contributions across categories. The announcement brought together a stellar list of winners, including Suriya, Dhanush, Keerthy Suresh, Karthi and Manju Warrier, highlighting some of the finest performances in Tamil cinema over the last several years.

Award for socially relevant performance in Aramm

Nayanthara received the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in the 2017 film Aramm. In the film, she portrayed a determined district collector who takes on a morally complex case involving a young child trapped in a deep borewell. The character’s emotional depth, resilience and commitment to justice struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.

Directed by Gopi Nainar, Aramm was inspired by real-life incidents and addressed issues of governance, accountability and human empathy. Nayanthara’s restrained yet impactful acting was widely praised for bringing authenticity to a role rooted in social realism. The film went on to receive critical acclaim and is often cited as one of the most socially relevant Tamil films of the decade.

‘Feeling blessed’, says the actor

Reacting to the honour, Nayanthara shared a brief but heartfelt message on social media, describing the award as a blessing. Though short, her response reflected how deeply she values the recognition, especially given the stature of the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, which are considered among the most prestigious honours for artists in the state.

Fans and colleagues flooded social media with congratulatory messages, calling the award a fitting tribute to Nayanthara’s consistent body of work and her ability to headline films driven by strong female characters. Many noted that Aramm remains one of her most defining performances.

Multiple honours underline her impact

The awards announcement also spotlighted Nayanthara’s broader contributions to cinema beyond acting. She received a Special Award for Women Empowerment for her role in Netrikann, a film that addressed issues of consent and justice through the lens of a visually impaired protagonist.

Additionally, Koozhangal, a critically acclaimed Tamil film that Nayanthara produced under her banner, won the Best Film award. The minimalist drama had earlier earned international recognition and was lauded for its raw storytelling and realistic portrayal of rural life. These honours further cemented her reputation not just as a leading actor, but also as a producer with a strong eye for meaningful cinema.

A career built on strong choices

Over the years, Nayanthara has carved a unique space for herself in South Indian cinema by consistently choosing roles that centre women’s perspectives. From commercial entertainers to content-driven films, her career reflects a careful balance between mass appeal and artistic integrity.

Her recognition at the State Film Awards for multiple projects across categories underscores her versatility and long-standing influence in the industry. With over two decades in cinema, the actor continues to remain relevant across generations of audiences.

Busy slate ahead

Currently, Nayanthara is enjoying the success of her recent Telugu release Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which stars Chiranjeevi in the lead role. The film has been performing steadily at the box office and has added another hit to her filmography.

Looking ahead, the actor reportedly has a lineup of six films slated for 2026, spanning Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema. With each announcement, expectations among fans continue to rise, as audiences eagerly await her next set of performances.

Conclusion

Nayanthara’s Best Actress win at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards is not just a recognition of one role, but a celebration of her enduring contribution to Indian cinema. As she continues to push boundaries both as an actor and producer, this latest honour stands as another milestone in a career defined by purpose, perseverance and powerful storytelling.