Dhanush admits there were better films than Raayan after National Awards row

Tamil actor Dhanush has broken his silence on the criticism surrounding his National Film Awards wins, acknowledging that there were stronger Tamil films than his directorial Raayan in 2024. However, he urged critics to also celebrate the fact that a Tamil actor had brought home two National Awards in the same year.The actor received a Special Mention for his performance in Captain Miller, while Raayan won the National Award for Best Tamil Film. While his recognition for Captain Miller sparked debate online, the award for Raayan drew the strongest reactions, with many arguing that other Tamil films were more deserving.Addressing the controversy at an event on Sunday, Dhanush said, "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."Dhanush reflects on his careerReflecting on his own career, the actor recalled several performances that many believed deserved National Award recognition but went unrewarded."Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam was released very long ago. They said I would definitely win an award for it. I was so young that I had hoped for it too, but I didn't. Then there's Pudhupettai..." he said, pausing as the audience erupted in cheers."You all told me I'd win again, but I didn't," he continued, before mentioning 3, Mayakkam Enna, Vada Chennai, Karnan, Maryan and Raanjhanaa. He had to pause again as the applause grew louder.Dhanush said he viewed this year's recognition as a result of persistence rather than expectation."Some things simply fall into place on their own, no matter how hard you try; that is exactly how it happened for me. I got the opportunity. Regardless of how the film itself turned out, the effort I put into it was genuine. As a Tamilian, I have received two more National Awards; don't brush this aside, celebrate it," he said.Watch the video here:#Dhanush on National Award Controversy"Raayan vida Meiyazhagan & Maharaja better films dhaan... Aana Pudhupettai, Vada Chennai, Karnan, Maryan, & Raanjhanaa National Award miss pannapo yaarum pesaala.""Inniku 90% oppose panraanga... Appo 10% kooda support pannala. Thatti pic.twitter.com/zxyqwEZqC6— Gv (@gowtham0725) July 26, 2026Since the 72nd National Film Awards were announced, several social media users have argued that films such as Meiyazhagan and Maharaja were stronger Tamil releases than Raayan. Others felt that performances by actors such as Karthi, Arvind Swami, Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap deserved recognition over Dhanush's Special Mention for Captain Miller.Following the announcement of the awards on July 18, Dhanush had shared an emotional note explaining why the honours were particularly meaningful."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 believed it to be my finest performance to date. Receiving a Special Mention for a performance I hold so dearly makes this honour even more meaningful. And a first is always unforgettable. Winning my very first National Award as a Director for Raayan is a blessing I will cherish forever (sic)."Filmmaker Jayaraj announced the winners for the 72nd National Film Awards in the Feature Film category. Nearly 400 films which were released between January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, were eligible for the awards.- EndsPublished On: Jul 26, 2026 23:24 IST