The awards ceremony for the Thirai Kural First Frame – 2025 short film competition was held successfully at the Prasad Lab auditorium.
Producer Kalaipuli S Thanu, director K Bhagyaraj, artist Trotsky Marudhu, director Aravindraj, director Pandiraj, actor Manikandan, actor Bhagavati Perumal, director Kutty Revathi, Gembrio Pictures MD Sukumar Balakrishnan, Vikatan K Rajasekaran, director Raghav Mirdath, director Sukumar Alagarsamy, director Balamurugan, and journalist Umapathy Krishnan graced the awards ceremony with their presence.
At the beginning of the event, “Tamil Film Factory,” a film production & management company, was introduced. The Tamil Film Factory logo was unveiled by Mr. Kalaipuli S Thanu and director K Bhagyaraj, and received by director Pandiraj and actor Manikandan. The company’s directors, Ms. Karuna Vilasini and Ms. Sudha, were also present.
Out of the 48 registered short films, the top 10 films – Thunai, Alamnaat, Araivekkadu, Coffee with Avanthika, Shadow, Lowgun, Kadalkondan, Love Lust Retro, Kanchana, and Meendum Mazhai – were screened.
Awards for Best Child Actor were presented to the child actors who acted in the films Araivekkadu, Kadalkondan, Kanchana, and Neeye Yavumagi.
Awards were also presented for Best Cinematographer, Best Editor, Best Music Director, Best Story, Best Screenplay, Best Dialogue, Social Awareness, Social Consciousness, and Special Jury Award.
The short film Alamnaat received the third prize of ₹25,000. Love Lust Retro and Kadalkondan received the second prize, with a prize money of ₹25,000 each.
The film Meendum Mazhai received the first prize and a cash award of ₹1 lakh. The moment everyone celebrated together with the winners when the prizes were announced was a joyful one.
A highlight of the Firstframe-2025 awards ceremony was the announcement by Mr. Sukumar Balakrishnan, MD of Gembrio Pictures, that they would be producing a film with the team that won the first prize. A producer also announced that he wished to produce even a half-baked film. Producer Kalaippuli S. Thanu also spoke, stating that he would provide opportunities to talented individuals after watching their films.
Director K. Bhagyaraj, in his speech, said that Firstframe-2025 has provided a wonderful platform for young directors and artists. He added that he was happy to see many talented directors, actors, and film professionals at the event.
Director Aravindraj, Director Pandiraj, actor Manikandan, actor Bhagavathi Perumal, director Kuttirevathi, and director Raghav Mirthaad shared their experiences and encouraged and congratulated the directors.
Aadhavan UK, Editor-in-chief of Thiraikural, and Sukumar K, Managing Director of Aram Media, coordinated and successfully conducted the event.