Captain Miller review: Dhanush, Arun Matheshwaran bring a well-crafted revolutionary tale

Dhanush always manages to surprise audiences, not just with his performances but also with his choice of stories. In his latest film, Captain Miller, he teams up with director Arun Matheshwaran for an engaging revolutionary tale set in pre-Independence India during British rule.

The movie begins with Analeesan, also known as Issa or Captain Miller (Dhanush), listening to his mother narrate the story of their local Shiva temple. The temple, built 600 years ago, housed the secretly buried statue of Ayyanar Koranar. However, the local tribals were not allowed inside the temple due to caste and social discrimination enforced by the ruling kings at that time.

After his mother’s death, Issa finds himself idle in the village while his elder brother Sengola (Shiva Rajkimar) actively participates in the Independence movement. When Issa gets into a confrontation with the villagers and is asked to leave, he decides to join the British-India army in order to gain respect.

Despite his brother’s advice against it, Issa proceeds with his decision, leading to a life-altering turn of events. Renamed Miller by the British army, Issa becomes part of a battalion involved in a brutal attack against local protesters. Traumatized by the experience, he quits the army and transforms into the revolutionary, Captain Miller. His motivations and the people he fights for become the driving force behind his actions.

Director Arun Matheswaran’s films often showcase violence as a significant element, and Captain Miller is no exception. The film portrays the theme of social injustice and the fight for freedom during the pre-Independence era, showcasing Tarantino-esque shades with its chapter-based structure, reminiscent sword fights, and a Western aesthetic in various scenes.

The character arc of Issa, as he evolves from a village tribal to a feared revolutionary, is well-crafted by the director, and the narrative is paced deliberately. While the first half of the film may feel slow, the second half picks up the pace as Captain Miller charges forward with his goals.

Dhanush shines in the titular role, captivating the audience with his performance. Shiva Rajkimar’s cameo is impactful, and Priyanka Mohan’s role helps move the story forward. GV Prakash Kumar’s background score and the song “Killer Killer” elevate the film, and Siddhartha Nuni’s cinematography adds to its visual appeal. Overall, Captain Miller is an engaging and unique film to watch, with a possible sequel hinted at the end.

Captain Miller is a must-watch film this Sankranti, offering a well-crafted revolutionary tale with Dhanush delivering an exceptional performance.