Dhanush Breaks Silence on ‘Raayan’ National Award Win Amid Criticism, Admits There Were Better Films (Watch Video)
Dhanush breaks silence on 'Raayan' winning Best Tamil Film at 72nd National Film Awards, acknowledging criticism but urging celebration for his dual honours, including a Special Mention for 'Captain Miller'. Know more about the controversial win, the films involved, and his candid reaction.
South cinema superstar Dhanush has finally spoken out regarding the significant debate ignited by his film Raayan securing the Best Tamil Film award at the recently concluded 72nd National Film Awards. Speaking at a public event on Sunday, July 26, the actor-director acknowledged the criticism while reflecting on his journey and urging fans to celebrate the recognition. Is Dhanush Eyeing Political Entry After Vijay? Actor-Director’s Father Kasthuri Raja Reveals.
Dhanush Addresses Criticism for National Award Win for ‘Raayan’
The 72nd National Film Awards, announced on July 18, 2026, honoured the best of Indian cinema in 2024. At the ceremony, Dhanush received a Special Mention for his performance in Captain Miller and Raayan was awarded Best Tamil Film. This dual victory, particularly the award for Raayan, sparked a considerable online discussion, with many film enthusiasts arguing that other 2024 Tamil releases, such as Karthi's Meiyazhagan and Vijay Sethupathi's 'Maharaja', were more deserving.
Addressing the contentious topic directly, Dhanush stated, “For Raayan, I got a National Film Award. That year, there were definitely better films than that one. The fans of those films expressed their love, and I fully respect them.” He candidly acknowledged the validity of the audience's sentiments, demonstrating humility amidst the accolades.
He further reminisced about his own career, listing several of his critically acclaimed performances that failed to secure National Awards despite widespread expectation, including Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam, Pudhupettai, 3, Mayakkam Enna, Vada Chennai, Karnan, Maryan, and Raanjhanaa. Dhanush suggested that awards often "fall into place on their own" and urged his fans not to dismiss his current achievements. “As a Tamilian, I have received two more National Awards; don’t brush this aside, celebrate it,” he appealed.
Dhanush Breaks Silence Over ‘Raayan’ National Award Win Criticism
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'Raayan' Shines at 72nd National Film Awards
Raayan, a neo-noir action thriller, marks Dhanush's second directorial venture and his 50th film as a leading actor. The film, produced by Kalanithi Maran's Sun Pictures, was released worldwide in theatres on July 26, 2024.
Directed and written by Dhanush, Raayan features a stellar ensemble cast including Dhanush as Raayan, Dushara Vijayan, SJ Suryah, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Aparna Balamurali, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. ‘Meiyazhagan’ Movie Review: Netizens Rave About Karthi and Arvind Swamy’s Bond in C Premkumar’s Film, Label It a ‘Feel-Good Drama’.
The film's music was composed by AR Rahman, with cinematography by Om Prakash and editing by Prasanna GK. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Raayan emerged as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2024, reportedly collecting over INR 160 crores worldwide. Both Raayan and Captain Miller are currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 10:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
