This is my first National Award, I'm hugely excited: Gautham Menon

Bangalore, Jan 24 (IANS) Well-known film director Gautham Menon is quite excited that his film 'Varanam Aayiram' has bagged the National award for the best regional Tamil film.

'Though I have done several films, this is my first award. And to get a prestigious award as your first award is something to cheer about. I am very happy that the National Award jury recognised the merits of the film and selected it for the honour,' Menon, 34 told, IANS.

He is considered as one of the top most Tamil film director and has proved his mettle by directing tasteful films like 'Khakka Khakka', 'Minnale' and 'Vettaiyaadu Vizhaiyaadu'. All these films have combined aesthetics with commercial values and proved to be hugely successful at the box office.

Compared to his previous films, 'Varanam Aayiram' was an average success. But the film was critically acclaimed for its brilliant screenplay, top class performance from the lead actor Surya and high-class technical values.

'Many people associated with my films got prestigious awards like state awards and Filmfare awards. But I didn't get any award. Naturally this National Award has given me a big boost and has increased my responsibility,' said Menon.

'Varanam Aayiram' is very closer to my heart because I had written the story based on my personal experiences. I moulded one of the two characters played by the film's leading star Surya on my father. He (father) encouraged me to join the film industry despite the fact that I had an engineering degree. There are lot of sequences in the film which could be linked to my personal life and my happy days with my father,' said Menon.

The director dedicates the National Award to the cast and crew of 'Varanam Aayiram'.

'I am particularly thankful to the film's hero Surya who crafted both his roles superbly. I am also thankful to Sameera Reddy, Divya Spandana, cinematographer Rathnavelu and music director Harris Jayaraj.'