'Paruthiveeran' wins Berlin award

Feb 18, 2008 PVS

Ameer Sultan director of 'Paruthiveeran,' featuring Karthi and Priyamani, has gained international recognition for the blockbuster movie.

The film bagged the 'special jury' award in the competitive section of the 58th Berlin International film festival which concluded on Feb. 18. Ameer also received a 'special mention' by the jury members.

The film was screened five times during the festival with subtitles in English and German. The other Indian film screened at this festival was Shahrukh Khan's 'Om Shanthi Om'.

Karthi, who played the lead role, had accompanied Ameer to Berlin and was present when the award was presented.

"I consider this an honour not only for the 70 million Tamilians but for the entire nation," Ameer said, when contacted by reporters in Chennai. "I am extremely happy and delighted that the film has made it to the top."

According to Ameer, this is the first time a Tamil film has been featured in the festival. The impression has gained ground that any Indian movie participating in international festivals is only from Bollywood. 'Paruthiveeran' has removed this wrong impression, he said and expressed the hope that hereafter Tamil films will get the international recognition they deserve.

Ameer said the audience gave him a standing ovation when he was called on to the stage to receive the award. That emotions transcended language was evident from the fact that several German women were in tears after watching the movie, he added.

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