The winners of the 68th National Film Awards was officially announced on Friday, July 22, and Tamil cinema bagged awards in a total of 10 categories. Suriya's Soorarai Pottru bagged 5 awards, while Yogi Babu's Mandela and Vasanth's Sivaranjiniyum Innum Sila Pengalum bagged 2 and 3 awards respectively. Mandela bagged two special awards - National Award for Best Screenplay (Dialogue Writer) and the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director. Both the awards will go to director Madonne Ashwin who has now become one of the most promising filmmakers of Tamil cinema already.

Mandela was truly one of the most impactful and well made films of last year and it was a deserving win for director Madonne. That being said, Sivakarthikeyan has met director Madonne Ashwin recently to wish him on the National award and a picture from their meeting has now turned viral on social media. Sivakarthikeyan shared his heartfelt appreciation through a tweet in which he expressed his happiness about working with him. Sharing the picture, SK tweeted, "My most favourite film in recent times #Mandela , received it’s biggest recognition 👍 Congratulations to @madonneashwin on the double national award.. Privileged to work with you brother ❤️ 😊 இன்னும் நிறைய உயரங்கள் காத்திருக்கிறது சகோ 🤗 #68thNationalFilmAwards".

Sivakarthikeyan's next outing in Tamil cinema will be directed by Madonne Ashwin and the film is titled Maaveeran. Tipped to be an action packed entertainer with some quirky humour, the film will showcase Sivakarthikeyan in a completely different dimension. The announcement video of Maaveeran had gone viral on social media, making the fans look forward to the project. Details regarding the commencement of shoot are yet to be known. The film had already got high expectations and now with Madonne becoming a National award winner, this film is sure to kindle the interest of the film buffs.

My most favourite film in recent times #Mandela , received it’s biggest recognition 👍Congratulations to @madonneashwin on the double national award.. Privileged to work with you brother ❤️😊 இன்னும் நிறைய உயரங்கள் காத்திருக்கிறது சகோ🤗#68thNationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/Q8lhv4ALOn

— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) July 23, 2022