Chief Minister M Karunanidhi gave away cash subsidies to the total tune of Rs 4.9 crore for 70 quality films with Tamil names made in 2005 and 2006.

Speaking after handing over the subsidies to the films at a glittering function, he said Tamilnadu was the only state in the country to implement the subsidy scheme for the film industry. The 70 films were chosen by a two-member jury. He said the subsidy would go a long way in encouraging producers to make quality films and under Tamil names.

Karunanidhi also presented awards to television actors on the occasion. Responding to a plea by the Tamilnadu Small Screen Actors Federation, the Chief Minister said the government would allocate land for construction of a building for the federation.

Among those who received the awards for the small screen include Radhika Sarath Kumar for Selvi, Kushboo for Kalki and AVM Saravanan for producing a host of mega-serials.

Speaking on the occasion, Saravanan thanked the government for their slew of concessions in helping both the television and film industry to thrive.

Radhika Sarath Kumar echoed Saravanan's views by saying 'the State government deserves a pat for its care towards the entertainment industry'.