In a grand night of 61st Idea Filmfare awards at Chennai when newcomers ruled the night, younger actors took the centre stage by grabbing the major distinctions. Fahad Fazil was adjudged the best actor for his performance in North 24 Kaatham', while Ann augustine was named the best for her 'Artist. 'Drishyam' who has already become the most acknowledged film in the South has been adjudged the best film in Malayalam.
Artist won Shyamaprasad the award for the best director, while veteran Malayali actress Jayabharati was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside the late Balu Mahendra.
Kollywood actor Atharva and Nayanthara was named the best actors in Tamil, while Nivin Pauly and Nazriya took home the Best Debut awards for Neram. Mani Ratnam's Kadal bagged four awards including that for best Cinematography( Rajeev Menon), best debut (Gautham Karthik) , best Singer Female ( Shaktishree Gopalan) and A R Rahman taking home his 29th Filmfare time for the movie.