MUMBAI: It is time to once again build up the energy for the coveted Vijay Awards. The eighth edition of the awards for the Tamil film industry on Star Vijay has already begun its digital and TV activations, a month in advance of the telecast.

This year, Vijay Awards will see film and TV actors host and perform at the ceremony which will see 29 best and five favourite awards given out on 5 July and will be telecast on a later date. Similar to last year, the channel will be running contests and giving away passes to 20 people from South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries to come and watch the award function.

Talking about the event Star Vijay general manager K Sriram said, “This is truly a credible and an incredible award show.  We are very excited about it and ever prepared to make it an astounding success year on year.”

Viewers have been voting since 14 June for their favourite actors either by SMS, calls or online which will end on 25 June. A long list of sponsors has already been lined up. Gionee is the title sponsor while Casa Grand is powered by sponsor. Dr MGR and RRP Housing are co presenting sponsors. Sunland Refined Sunflower Oil, Step Stone Promoters, V Care, Poomalai Housing, Kibbs Lungigal, Vijaya optical House, RPG Developers, Shakthi Masala, Ran India Steel and Amrita Institute are associate sponsors. 

 “This is a big event that happens every year and I, like everybody else, look forward to it.  The ‘Golden Lady’ has become a much sought-after trophy for everyone in the Tamil film industry,”said renowned director K Balachander referring to the Vijay Awards statuette.

The jury members include Yugi Sethu, Prathap Pothen, Ravi K Chandran and actor Simran. Last year saw Bollywood’s king Shah Rukh Khan visit the ceremony and being given an award.

Currently, a one hour prelude is being aired every Saturday at 8 pm. As part of the pre-event activation, celebrities are being roped in for conducting on ground events in various parts of the state.