2012 MovieCrow Award - Best Tamil Comedian

Santhanam carried a number of movies due to precise timings and spectacular one-liners. Santhanam introduced a number of catchy phrases that youngsters integrated in their daily conversations ("neenga ellam nalla varuveenga", "factu, factu, factu..." and many others. 

Santhanam - Hero's Crutch

Many heroes used Santhanam as a crutch to establish their careers and Santhanam successfully did that without sulking. For example, Udhay Stalin had a dream launch with OKOK along with Santhanam on a beaten-to-death script by Director Rajesh. Saguni luckily recovered the investment due to Santhanam and Karthi's chemistry. Kalakalapu's second half was a laugh-riot after Santhanam's entry. Santhanam's short cameo in Naan Ee grabbed audience attention. Even in not-so-successful movies such as Neethane En Ponvasantham, nobody complained about Santhanam. 

Rankings of top comedians of 2012

2. Sivakarthikeyan silently delivered two profitable movies as lead character, despite their contents being criticized in Manam Kothi Paravai and Marina. Sivakarthikeyan also stole the show in "3". 

3. Thambi Ramaiah proves yet another time why he is a national award winner. He could easily transform himself as a comedian(Kumki), Villain (Saattai), character role (Kazhagu) quite effortlessly. This nomination for Thambi Ramaiah is for his performance in Kumki where he scored from start to finish.

4. Sathiyan lent good support to Vijay in Nanban and Thuppakki. Especially in Nanban, nobody believed Sathiyan would be able to pull-off the role of Silencer; many even doubted Shankar's casting decision. But, Sathiyan proved everybody wrong with his comic sense and subtle villainy.

5. Soori (aka "Parota Suri") had a memorable role in Sundarapandian. He was appreciated for his body language and exceptional timing.

6. Shiva was able to stand up to Santhanam in Kalakalappu with his underplayed comedy and voice modulation. Hoping to see Shiva more on screen in 2013.