Tamil actor Dhanush has addressed the criticism surrounding his National Film Awards, admitting that there were stronger Tamil films than his directorial venture Raayan in 2024. At the same time, he urged people to celebrate the fact that a Tamil actor had won two National Awards in the same year.
Dhanush received a Special Mention for his performance in Captain Miller, while Raayan was honoured as the Best Tamil Film at the National Film Awards. Although his acting recognition sparked debate online, the award for Raayan drew even sharper criticism, with many claiming other Tamil films were more deserving of the honour.
Speaking at an event on Sunday, Dhanush acknowledged the criticism, saying, "For Raayan, I received a National Film Award. There were certainly better Tamil films that year. The fans of those films expressed their feelings, and I completely respect that."
Dhanush looks back on missed National Awards
Reflecting on his career, Dhanush recalled several performances that many believed deserved National Award recognition but ultimately went unrewarded.
"Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam came out many years ago. People were convinced I would win a National Award for it. I was young then, and I believed it too—but it didn't happen. Then came Pudhupettai..." he said, pausing as the audience applauded.
"You all thought I would win again, but I didn't," he added before mentioning films including 3, Mayakkam Enna, Vada Chennai, Karnan, Maryan and Raanjhanaa. He paused once more as the crowd responded with loud cheers.
Dhanush said he now sees this year's recognition as the result of perseverance rather than expectation.
"Some things happen when they are meant to, no matter how much you try. That's exactly what happened in my case. I got the opportunity. Whatever people think about the film, the effort I put into it was sincere. As a Tamilian, I have received two more National Awards. Don't dismiss that—celebrate it," he said.
Since the announcement of the 72nd National Film Awards, many social media users have argued that films such as Meiyazhagan and Maharaja were stronger contenders for the Best Tamil Film award than Raayan. Others felt actors including Karthi, Arvind Swami, Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap deserved recognition over Dhanush's Special Mention for Captain Miller.
After the awards were announced on July 18, Dhanush shared an emotional message about what the recognition meant to him.
"This is my third National Award as an actor and my first National Award as a director," he wrote.
"This recognition for Captain Miller is especially close to my heart because I have always considered it my finest performance so far. Receiving a Special Mention for a role I value so deeply makes this honour even more meaningful. And firsts are always special. Winning my first National Award as a director for Raayan is a blessing I will cherish forever," he added.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards in the Feature Film category were announced by filmmaker Jayaraj. Nearly 400 films released between January 1 and December 31, 2024, were eligible for consideration.
