Actor Suriya received the Best Actor honour at the 68th National Film Awards for his performance in the Tamil film Soorarai Pottru. The award was shared with Ajay Devgn, who was recognised for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. At the ceremony in New Delhi on 30 September 2022, President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to the winners.
Reflecting on the recognition, Suriya described the moment as an honour he would never forget. The recognition marked an important milestone in his career and celebrated a performance that connected with audiences through its emotional intensity and inspiring story.
Why Suriya won the National Film Award
Suriya was honoured for playing Nedumaaran Rajangam, also known as Maara, in Soorarai Pottru. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the 2020 Tamil-language drama draws inspiration from the life of G. R. Gopinath, the entrepreneur who founded the low-cost airline Air Deccan.
The film follows Maara, an ambitious former Air Force officer who wants to make air travel accessible to ordinary people. His goal brings him into conflict with powerful business interests, financial barriers and repeated setbacks. Suriya’s performance carries the film through its moments of ambition, frustration, family conflict and determination.
The 68th National Film Awards jury named Suriya and Ajay Devgn joint winners in the Best Actor category for the 2020 awards. The Government of India’s official announcement confirms the result.
Soorarai Pottru’s success at the 68th National Film Awards
Soorarai Pottru was one of the most recognised films at the 68th National Film Awards. It won Best Feature Film, while Suriya received Best Actor and Aparna Balamurali won Best Actress for her role as Bommi. The film also received awards for its screenplay and background score.
The recognition extended beyond the lead performances. Sudha Kongara’s direction and the film’s writing helped shape a story about access, entrepreneurship and the determination to challenge established systems. The awards acknowledged the contribution of the wider creative team as well as the actors.
When Suriya received the National Award
The 68th National Film Awards ceremony took place in New Delhi on 30 September 2022. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards for films recognised for the year 2020. Suriya attended the ceremony, where Ajay Devgn and other award recipients were also honoured.
The awards had been announced earlier, on 22 July 2022. The ceremony later brought the winners together to receive their medals and certificates. Veteran actor Asha Parekh was also honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for her contribution to Indian cinema.
About Soorarai Pottru
Released in 2020, Soorarai Pottru was directed by Sudha Kongara and produced by Suriya and Guneet Monga, with 2D Entertainment and Sikhya Entertainment associated with the production. The film features Suriya, Aparna Balamurali and Paresh Rawal in key roles, with music by G. V. Prakash Kumar.
Its story was inspired by events from G. R. Gopinath’s life and the founding of Air Deccan. The film is a dramatised work rather than a documentary, combining real-life inspiration with fictionalised characters and situations.
Suriya’s National Award: A milestone in his career
The Best Actor award recognised Suriya’s work in a film that reached audiences beyond its original theatrical plans and became a major talking point during the pandemic-era release period. His portrayal of Maara balanced the character’s bold ambition with vulnerability and personal sacrifice.
For Suriya, the honour was also a recognition of the many people involved in bringing the film to the screen, including director Sudha Kongara, co-star Aparna Balamurali, the writers, technicians and production team. The award remains a significant achievement in the actor’s career.
Frequently asked questions
Which film won Suriya the National Film Award for Best Actor?
Suriya won the Best Actor award for his performance in the Tamil film Soorarai Pottru, which was recognised at the 68th National Film Awards for the year 2020.
Did Suriya and Ajay Devgn share the Best Actor award?
Yes. Suriya and Ajay Devgn were joint winners. Suriya was honoured for Soorarai Pottru, while Ajay Devgn won for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior.
Who directed Soorarai Pottru?
Soorarai Pottru was directed by Sudha Kongara.
Who won Best Actress for Soorarai Pottru?
Aparna Balamurali won the Best Actress award for her performance in the film.
When did Suriya receive the 68th National Film Award?
The 68th National Film Awards ceremony was held on 30 September 2022 in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards.