SIIMA 2021: The big winners from the South Indian movie awards night

The South Indian International Movie Awards 2020 was cancelled due to the global COVID-19 outbreak, but the winners from their 2019 releases were honoured at a star-studded event in Hyderabad on September 18. The annual awards night honoured the best artistic and technical talents from several South Indian-language movie industries including Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada.

The glittering awards ceremony was a grand affair and was attended by a galaxy of stars including Shruti Haasan, Mahesh Babu, Rashmika Mandanna, Shine Tom Chacko, Kartikeya Gummakonda, and Arjun Das.

Here's a look at the big winners of the night. Actress Rashmika Mandanna, who is gearing up for her Bollywood debut, won the Best Actress trophy for her hit film 'Dear Comrade'.

Malayalam actor Indrajit's daughter and singer Prarthana Indrajit was basking in awards glory this SIIMA. She took home the Best Playback Singer (female) for her song 'Thaarapadhamaake' from the thriller 'Helen'.

Telugu actor Nani was a man of the hour this year at the SIIMAs. He took home crucial awards including Entertainer Of The Year, as well as Best Actor (Critics) for 'Jersey' and 'Gang Leader'.

The night was not just about honouring the best from the South India film industries. It also meant that it was a star-studded social gathering. After months of social distancing, the actors were seen together in an awards night. Shruti Haasan and her sister is seen here mingling with seasoned actress Suhaasini. This is a selfie that speaks a thousand words.

Malayalam actor Roshan Matthews is a happy man as he took home an award in the Best Supporting Role (Malayalam) for his role in the festival hit 'Moothon', also starring Nivin Pauly.

Malayalam actress Sheela, who holds the distinction of acting in the most number of films with late icon Prem Nazir, was celebrated for her robust body of work. The 75-year-old actress has won several awards including the Kerala State Awards.

Telugu actor Kartikeya Gummakonda took home an award for his evil turn in 'Gang Leader'.

Kannada actress Rachita Ram won the Best Actress for her romantic drama 'Ayushman Bhava', directed by P. Vasu The film, also starring Shivarajkumar and Nidhi Subbaiah in a special appearance, was an acclaimed feature in 2019.

Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko won the Best Supporting Actor (Male) for his film 'Ishq'.