By anjali
Dhanush never fails to amaze with each of his films, not only with his acting but also with his selection of stories. In Captain Miller, the Tamil actor collaborates with director Arun Matheshwaran for the third time.
Plot of Captain Miller
The film is set in pre-Independence India during British rule. It begins with Analeesan, also known as Issa or Captain Miller (played by Dhanush), listening to his mother’s narration of the story of their 600-year-old local Shiva temple. The temple holds the secretly buried statue of Ayyanar Koranar. His mother explains how the lands around the temple were gifted to the local tribals when it was built, but they were not allowed entry due to caste and social discrimination enforced by the ruling kings.
After his mother’s death, Issa spends his time idling in the village while his elder brother Sengola (played by Shiva Rajkumar) is involved in the Independence movement. When Issa gets into a confrontation with the villagers and they ask him to leave, he decides to join the British-India army in order to gain ‘respect’.
Despite Sengola’s attempts to discourage him, Issa proceeds with his plan and his destiny takes a different turn. Renamed Miller by the British army, Issa becomes involved in a brutal assault on local protesters as part of the battalion. This experience leaves him traumatized, leading him to leave the army and transform into the revolutionary figure, Captain Miller. What became of Issa? What drives him? Who and what is he fighting for?
(Also Read: Trailer For Captain Miller: Dhanush Portrays A Dacoit Wanted By The British In This Intense Drama. Check it out!)
The atmosphere filled with inspiration
Director Arun Matheswaran’s movies prominently feature violence, and Captain Miller is no exception with its portrayal of killings and fights set in pre-Independence India, highlighting social injustice and the fight for freedom. The film incorporates Tarantino-esque elements, such as being divided into chapters, a sword fight reminiscent of Kill Bill, and a Western aesthetic in various scenes. The director effectively portrays the character arc of Issa, transitioning from a village tribal to a feared revolutionary, while maintaining a well-structured storyline.
In the first half, Issa’s transformation is driven by selfish motives, but it’s in the second half where he discovers a greater purpose and passionately pursues his goal for the sake of his village. Matheshwaran’s distinct narrative style is evident in the unhurried pace of the writing and screenplay, which may slow down the film, particularly in the first half. However, the pace significantly accelerates in the second half as Captain Miller charges forward with full force.
Dhanush, the captain
In terms of acting, Captain Miller embodies the essence of a Dhanush film. The Tamil actor’s knack for captivating the audience is widely recognized, and he certainly delivers as Issa, also known as Captain Miller. He truly embodies the character. While Shiva Rajkumar’s part may be brief, it is impactful and leaves a lasting impression. Priyanka Mohan’s role may not be substantial, and she doesn’t have a lot to do, but it does contribute to advancing the storyline.
In terms of technical aspects, the background music by music director GV Prakash Kumar and the Killer Killer song significantly enhance the film, making them standout features. GV has successfully combined various music styles that complement the director’s filmmaking style. Additionally, Siddhartha Nuni’s cinematography is also a strong asset.
In conclusion, Captain Miller is a captivating and unique film that is a must-watch this Sankranti. It is worth noting that the movie hints at a potential sequel in the works.
(Also Read: Do Dhanush And His Estranged Wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth Not Intend To Split Amicably?)
