72nd National Film Awards: Dhanush scores double victory as his directorial debut and another wins Best Tamil Film. Where to watch both on OTT?

Dhanush had plenty to celebrate at the 72nd National Film Awards, with the actor-filmmaker emerging as one of the biggest winners of the ceremony. He not only received recognition for his performance in Captain Miller but also achieved a major milestone in his filmmaking journey as Raayan earned top honours. If you are planning to catch up on the award-winning films, both are now available to stream online.

Raayan and Captain Miller are currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. While Raayan is available after its successful theatrical run in July 2024, Captain Miller, which released earlier the same year, can also be watched on the platform. Both films are available in dubbed versions as well, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Dhanush wins two honours at the 72nd National Film Awards

The National Film Awards, announced in New Delhi, turned out to be a memorable occasion for Dhanush. His directorial venture Raayan won the Best Tamil Film award, while his performance in Captain Miller earned him a Special Mention (Best Actor).


The recognition for Raayan marked a huge achievement in Dhanush's career. It became the first time he received a National Award as a director. Overall, it is his fifth National Award recognition, following earlier wins as Best Actor for Aadukalam and Asuran, along with honours as a co-producer for Kaaka Muttai and Visaranai.

While announcing the winners, National Film Awards jury chairperson Jayaraj praised Raayan, describing it as a film filled with "raw power."

For Dhanush, Raayan holds special importance beyond the award. The film was his second directorial venture and also marked his milestone 50th film as an actor. The action drama follows a man determined to protect his family while seeking revenge after his siblings become caught in a violent gang conflict.

Dhanush calls his first directing honour unforgettable

Soon after the winners were announced, Dhanush shared an emotional note on social media expressing his gratitude.

The actor said he felt deeply humbled by the recognition and thanked the National Film Awards jury and selection committee for honouring both Raayan and Captain Miller. He also expressed appreciation to the media, his collaborators and fans who have supported him throughout his career.

Speaking about Captain Miller, Dhanush said receiving a Special Mention meant a great deal because he has always considered the film one of his finest performances. According to him, the recognition made the achievement even more meaningful because the role remains especially close to his heart.

However, it was Raayan that made the moment unforgettable for him. Dhanush said receiving his first National Award as a director was a blessing he would treasure forever. Looking back on the journey, he said every first achievement carries a special place in life, and this honour would remain one of the most cherished memories of his career.

He also thanked his fans, calling them the pillars behind his success. Dhanush added that although he had previously received National Awards as an actor, being recognised for directing represented an entirely different milestone in his artistic journey.

Where to watch Raayan and Captain Miller on OTT

If you missed both films in theatres, they are now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Released on July 26, 2024, Raayan is an action drama written, directed by and starring Dhanush. The film follows a man who finds himself forced into a brutal battle after his family becomes entangled in gang rivalries. Along with Dhanush, the cast features S. J. Suryah, Prakash Raj, Selvaraghavan, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Dushara Vijayan, Aparna Balamurali and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar.

Captain Miller, directed by Arun Matheswaran, arrived in theatres on January 12, 2024. Set against a historical backdrop, the action-adventure stars Dhanush in the lead role alongside Shiva Rajkumar, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Nivedhithaa Sathish, Edward Sonnenblick and Vinoth Kishan. The film earned praise for Dhanush's intense performance, which ultimately fetched him the Special Mention at the National Film Awards.

With one film earning Dhanush his first National Award as a director and the other bringing him acting recognition, both Raayan and Captain Miller now stand among the most celebrated titles of his career.