Published By: Nibandh Vinod
Last Updated: February 25, 2024, 09:38 IST
Dhanush’s upcoming Tamil action-thriller Raayan marks his second directorial effort. (Image: dhanushkraja/Instagram)
Dhanush’s debut film, Thulluvadho Ilamaia (2002), was helmed by his father, filmmaker, Kasthur Raja. Since then, he has starred in over 50 films to date, performed over 50 song playbacks and wrote over 40 songs.
Tamil actor, singer, lyricist and producer Dhanush, became a national sensation in 2011 with the release of his song, “Why This Kolaveri Di.” Dhanush’s debut film, Thulluvadho Ilamaia (2002), was helmed by his father, filmmaker, Kasthur Raja. Since then, he has starred in over 50 films to date, performed over 50 song playbacks and wrote over 40 songs. Born on July 28, 1983, Dhanush turns 41 this year. Below, we look at his top movies and his recent and upcoming projects.
Top Movies
- Aadukalam (2011)This Tamil-language drama, directed by Vetrimaaran, got Dhanush his first National Film Award, for his performance as K. P. Karuppu, who engages roosters in cockfights and becomes highly successful. Jealousy of his own teammates, however, threatens to destroy his life. The film also stars Taapsee Pannu as Dhanush’s romantic interest Irene.
- Raanjhanaa (2013)With Aanand L Rai’s Raanjhanaa, Dhanush made his Bollywood debut. The hit film deals with the contentious issue of interfaith relationship; between a Hindu Brahmin boy (Dhanush) and a Muslim girl (Sonam Kapoor).
- Asuran (2019)Another Vetrimaaran film, Asuran, deals with caste discrimination and land rights. Dhanush skilfully portrays the role of an aggrieved, underprivileged farmer who is forced to go on the run after his son murders a landlord, who belonged to a higher caste. Dhanush won his second Best Actor trophy at the 67th National Film Awards for this role.
Latest Films
- Vaathi (2023)This period action drama from Venky Atluri is about the pitfalls of privatisation and commercialisation of education to the disadvantage of the underprivileged students. Dhanush plays a teacher who helps such underprivileged students of a government college.
- Captain Miller (2024)Dhanush’s latest film, Captain Miller, from writer-director Arun Matheshwaran, is a period action drama set during the British Raj in the 1930s. First in a planned trilogy, Captain Miller deals with Analeesan or simply Eesa, an outlaw who fights against the British.
Upcoming Films
Dhanush’s second directorial venture, a romantic comedy called ‘Nilavukku Enmel Ennadi Kobam,’ is in post-production. He had revealed the poster on December 24, last year. It stars Matthew Thomas and Priya Prakash Varrier among others.
Dhanush’s third directorial venture, tentatively titled D50, as it is his 50th film, is from a script he wrote. It’s also in post-production. The actor has begun filming for his next, D51, from director Sekhar Kammula.