Director Vasanthabalan's "Veyil", which was produced by Shankar, has been selected as the best feature film in Tamil for 2006.

The winners of the 54th National Film Awards for 2006 were announced on June 10 with Priya Mani taking pride of place bagging the best actress award for her stunning performance in "Paruthiveeran" as Muthazhagu, a rustic village girl, playing opposite debutant Karthi, son of actor Shiva Kumar.

"Paruthiveeran" also has won the award for best editing by Raja Mohammed.

Director Vasanthabalan sees the best film award for "Veyil" as an acknowledgement for his 15 years' struggle. "I did not make the film keeping this award in mind. It was an earnest attempt to say something from the heart. What the audience saw was my story... my poetry... my experience...my tears and my joy."

A big hit at the box office "Veyil" featured Pasupathi and Bharat as siblings.

"Veyil' is a film that richly deserves the award, Vasanth