One choice would be too obvious to be called a surprise. But, the others are definitely names that show the amount of originality of thought that has gone into cinema in 2009. Kamal for Unnaipol Oruvan is the obvious choice that was mentioned above. We need not give reasons or explanations for this; you just have to watch the movie once to be convinced.

His potential needs no introduction. Though not a frequent presence on the Tamil screen, the mark he created with Iruvar does remind us of his class. Unnaipol Oruvan was yet another performance with class stamped all over it from the multiple National Award winning actor. The role of a top ranked cop in a tough spot was essayed with all the elements finely mixed. There was the mental turmoil, the professional strategizing, the controlled aggression, the tussle with the bureaucracy, the poise and dignity of a man who commands a city’s entire police force – all at the same time.

A National Award winning performance does not need elaboration! We have known Prakash Raj to deliver very strong performances– negative or character roles. But, here he was seen in a poignant and touching role of a weaver. The character had a sort of docility and submissiveness that we do not normally associate with Prakash Raj. It would be an understatement to say that Prakash Raj got into the skin of the character. Throughout the movie, his face carried the constant expression of a defeated man who couldn’t afford even the simplest of luxuries for his daughter, who was not destined to dream, who could not ask for anything more than what a miserable life threw at him.