Tamil cinema bagged three important National awards including best film and best actor award at the 55th National Award. Actor Prakash Raaj won the National Award in the Best Actor.  

Priyadarshan's Tamil film 'Kanchivaram' won the best picture award. Sivaji directed by Shankar bagged the best special effects award. Raaj played the role of a left-leaning, debt-ridden weaver in the film.

Priyadarshan said: "I'm overjoyed that Kanchivaram a Tamil film set in rural Tamil Nadu of the 1930's has won the award for the best picture."

Actor Prakash Raaj, who got the award for his role in 'Kanchivaram', made his debut as villain in the Priyadarshan's "Duet". He also played the role of arrogant Doctor's in the "Vasool Raja MBBS", a remake of Hindi film "Munnabhai MBBS".