When Director Agathiyan Fainted Upon Learning Kadhal Kottai Won The National Award

In the 1990s, films portraying love stories were preferred more than anything else. Some of the films released in the 1990s are still remembered to this day because of their well-knitted story, skilful cast, direction, etc. These romantic films gave a new dimension to Tamil cinema in general. Films used to portray different kinds of love stories that had unique stories that were very different from each other.

Similarly, Kadhal Kottai was released in 1996 and left a mark in the industry. The film was directed by Agathiyan. Ajith and Devayani were seen playing the major roles in the film. Alongside them, Heera, Thalaivasal Vijay, and Karan were seen in the supporting roles. The film was produced by Sivasakthi Pandian. It became a major success at the box office.

After the film was released, it attracted great attention and began to be praised by several actors and directors in the industry. Kadhal Kottai won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil and the National Film Award for Best Direction. It also won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay for Agathiyan. Apart from these awards, the film received positive critical acclaim after its release on July 12, 1996. The film ran for 250 days at the box office. It became a prestigious Silver Jubilee film. After receiving the news, the director lost his senses and fainted immediately.

The producer of the film shared how director Agathiya reacted after hearing the news. He said, “I was told the news that Agathiyan won the National Award for the film Kadhal Kottai. Agathiyan, who was shooting for another film at the time, did not know about this. I called him and asked him what he was doing; he said he was shooting. Prakash Raj is an old bad guy, and I am taking away the scene for him. And then I said, You know what? You got the National Award for Best Director of India for Kadhal Kota and there was no response from that side. There was no sound on the line, and upon hearing this news, Agathiyan fainted there.”

Agathiyan offered to work with several producers for the film but faced rejections. Those who rejected it did not find any logic. However, the film received massive success when it was finally made. The climax of the film Kadhal Kottai is celebrated even to this day.