Mahanati director Nag Ashwin on Keerthy winning National Award: I thought Bollywood actress would be preferred

Director Nag Ashwin's 2018 release Mahanati, the biopic on legendary yesteryear actress Savitri won 'Best Film' award at 66th National awards. Mahanati made Tollywood proud by winning three awards. Film's lead actress Keerthy Suresh won 'Best Actress' award for her brilliant performance in the film. However, the makers of Mahanati didn't expect Keerthy Suresh's big win. Post the big win, director Nag Ashwin opened up about how he expected Bollywood actresses would be preferred for the 'Best Actress' award. 

In an interview to India Today, he said, "To be honest, people who saw the film told us that Keerthy would get the award for her performance. It was on our mind. Keerthy was fighting with all the biggest names in Bollywood for the award. I thought, realistically, Bollywood actresses would be preferred and maybe we won't make it. We were very happy that Keerthy and her performance were recognised and even her costumes. The amount of research that went into also got recognised. It was actually a pleasant surprise because we weren't expecting it."Director Nag Ashwin dedicated the award to the whole cast and crew for all the efforts.

I fall short of words when I intend to talk about you. Thank you for leading me on board, being with me throughout the journey , showering me with your love and blessings. This would not have happened without you. Thank you #savitrima #vijayachamundeswarima @nag_ashwin The brain behind the cult , the man behind my confidence, the one who trusted me the most. What more could I have asked for Nagi ?! @swapnaduttchalasani @priyankacdutt you women can’t get stronger than this , the two pillars who held everything together ! The tussles were all worth it isn’t it ?! @dancinemaniac you made history on screen Dani!! @mickeyjmeyerofficial what more than a tribute like the #Mahanti song could you dedicate for her ?! I thank all my wonderful co-actors without whom this would be an incomplete classic! @samantharuthprabhuoffl @thedeverakonda @dqsalmaan #RajendraPrasad sir and to all the other artists #Animaster for making me do which I thought I can’t do @styledbyindrakshi you styled and etched the history through the traditional sarees from @shahgaurang and Thank you @archanaraolabel Thanks to all the technicians and every one in each departments for making this possible ! I will be posting few favourites in memory of the journey today ! Thank you #mahanati #1year #1yearofmahanati

Designers Gaurang Shah, Archana Rao and Indrakshi Pattanaik have also won the National Film Award 2019 for Mahanati's Best Costume Design. Meanwhile, check out Keerthy Suresh's long thank you post. 

Thank you