Director Arun Matheswaran had a special reason to celebrate at the 72nd National Film Awards as ‘Captain Miller’ added a major national honour to its achievements. The Dhanush-starrer was recognised with the award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values, while Dhanush also received a Special Mention for his performance. The recognition brought the film’s team into the spotlight once again, with Arun Matheswaran sharing his thoughts on the journey and his experience of working with Dhanush.

Arun Matheswaran praises Dhanush after Captain Miller’s National recognition

Speaking about his lead actor at the red carpet of 72nd National Film Awards, Arun Matheswaran said, “Working with Dhanush is always special and a pleasure. He’s a brilliant actor, so half your job is done. It was a difficult film to shoot, but we pulled it off.” The filmmaker’s words underline the contribution Dhanush made to the period action drama, which demanded a strong physical presence and a convincing transformation from the actor. Arun Matheswaran had earlier stressed that getting the look of the central character right was an important part of building the world of the film.

Dhanush receives National Award from President Droupadi Murmu

The honour became even more memorable when Dhanush attended the National Film Awards ceremony and received the recognition from President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu. The actor was presented with a Special Mention for his performance in ‘Captain Miller.’ The film also received the Rajat Kamal along with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. Dhanush’s recognition added another achievement to a film that brought together a large-scale period setting with themes of oppression, equality, resistance and freedom.

‘Captain Miller’ remains an important chapter in Arun Matheswaran’s filmography

Set during British rule in India, ‘Captain Miller’ follows Analeesan, played by Dhanush, whose experiences in the British Indian Army change the course of his life. He later returns to his village and finds himself fighting to protect his people and their ancestral temple. The film also features Shiva Rajkumar, Priyanka Mohan, Nivedhithaa Sathish, Aditi Balan and Sundeep Kishan.For Arun Matheswaran, who recently delivered the blockbuster ‘DC’ starring Lokesh Kanagaraj and Wammiqa Gabbi, the National Award recognition adds another significant chapter to his filmmaking journey. Meanwhile, Dhanush’s Special Mention gives the film’s central performance another national-level recognition.