The Vijay starring Mass-Masala film, Mersal, directed by Atlee continues to outdo itself and make waves not just in India but outside India as well. Recently, this Atlee film bagged the Best Foreign Language Film award at the 4th edition of the National Film Awards UK. Now, Vijay himself has been nominated in the Best Actor Public Vote Category.

Here’s the list of nominees in that category:

David Tennant (Don Juan in Soho)
John Boyega (Star Wars: The Last Jedi)
Chris Attoh (Swing)
Jack Perry Jones (Bang)
Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out)
Vijay Joseph (Mersal)
Zack Morris (Eastenders)
Jamie Lomas (Hollyoaks)

Click here for the complete list of nominees.

If you’re wondering what on earth is the IARA Awards? Frankly, we’re just hearing about it now too. Its official website reads:

The IARA was founded in 2014, aimed at celebrating artists across the Art and Entertainment industry; for Excellence, Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, and Innovations. IARA, acknowledges role models who have excelled within their respective industries and have put foundation in place for continued success and expansion.

While the IARA isn’t super prestigious (this isn’t the Oscars, Cannes, Critics Choice or anything close to that), it’s still awesome to see an Indian (particularly a South Indian) film receive international recognition. The fact that Vijay finds himself on the same list as the likes of John Boyega, who plays Finn in the new Star Wars saga and David Tennant, who has a few BAFTA nominations under his belt, will definitely make International audiences curious.

Mersal has grossed over Rs 251 Cr (US$ 36.5 million) worldwide making it the 3rd highest grossing Tamil film of all time. Mersal is also the 3rd highest grossing Tamil movie in Malaysia (RM 10.7 million).