March 20, 2010: Gowtham Menon was one amongst several film technicians and artists, who were honored for their versatilities in their respective arenas in 2009. It’s all about 55th Swarna Kamal National Awards that was held yesterday at New Delhi.

Filmmaker Bala won the best direction for portraying realisms in ‘Naan Kadavul’ while Gowtham Menon was felicitated with ‘Best popular movie’ for ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’. Soon after receiving the award, Gowtham interacted with media channels saying that he’s so thankful for his producers, who laid a great trust on him and accepted to produce this film, his technicians, Surya and all three heroines – Sameera Reddy, Divya and Simran.

This is the first National award received by Gowtham Menon, who made his debut directorial with ‘Minnale’ followed by ‘Kaakha Kaakha’, ‘Pacchaikili Muthucharam’ and ‘Vettaiyadu Vilayaadu’. His recent release ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya’ has been ennobled as the one of the best top-drawers of this year.

‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ centers on father-son relationship with Surya himself enacting the dual roles.

-R. Richard Mahesh / Sampurn