Captain Miller Review: Feels Lengthy!
Any film starring Dhanush is sure to be a hit. The Telugu version of his most recent film, “Captain Miller,” is based on the original Tamil release. Theaters are presently showing the film.
In a pre-independence Andhra Pradesh village, Agneeswar (Dhanush) is the protagonist. The temple he and his people had constructed was off-limits to them because of their low caste. In an effort to flee from her oppressors, Agnee enlists in the British army. Along with his new surname, he becomes known as “Captain Miller” in that location.
Miller goes back to his hometown after getting orders to shoot peaceful freedom fighters; he interprets these orders as orders to murder his own people. He becomes a part of a robbery ring. The protagonist, Miller, goes on a quest to become the hero and rescuer of the story.
Highlights of performances:
You may see Dhanush in all sorts of costumes. His work is consistently top-notch. He doesn’t quite steal the show, but his performance keeps the picture from falling apart. Though they play powerful female characters, Priyanka Mohan and Nivethitha Sateesh don’t contribute much to the plot as a whole. On the other hand, they are excellent at what they do.
The climax sequence features a “mass moment” for Shiva Rajkumar. In a supporting role, Sundeep Kishan appears.
The high production values and impressive technological results give the impression that this film is monumental. Entertaining background music by GV Prakash Kumar. It is a cinematic masterpiece.
Both the writing of the conversation and its editing are subpar. The action sequences are reminiscent to the ones in the “KGF” films.
Analysis:
“Captain Miller” gives the idea in the opening scenes that prejudice and social stratification are central to the plot. As a result, we see scenes where a local monarch forbids the residents of lower castes from entering the shrine. We also see Dhanush argue in one episode that the indigenous rulers and the British colonists are one and the same. These sequences make it seem like the film is continuing down the same path as other Tamil films that have dealt with oppression and discrimination based on caste.
A number of chapters make up the tale, according to the filmmaker. Even if the story moves at a snail’s pace, the situational songs and background music keep the audience engaged. However, the main issue is that mistreatment of outcasts is a tired plot theme in Tamil cinema that fails to move audiences.
After the break, the picture becomes an action flick in its entirety. Until the very end, there are nonstop fight scenes and the narration is replete with violence, smoke, and explosives.
The film depicts some events in a way that is out of place with the story. Having Dhanush and the other actors use what seem like rocket launchers and machine guns during the British era is also ridiculous.
As a whole, “Captain Miller” is a thrilling action film with a subject of uprising against the subjugation of lower-caste Indians by the British and upper-caste Indians. Although the film’s running time isn’t very long, it could seem that way at times. This thrilling picture hints at a possible sequel.
Notably, themes of oppression by upper-caste Indians and battles against the British have grown trite in Tamil cinema. “Captain Miller” continues in similar vein without providing anything novel in the way of setting or atmosphere. Its target demographic consists of patients who can empathize with films about oppression of the upper class that take place during the British era. This story may potentially be too much for fans of long action sequences.
Movie: Captain Miller
ibomma Rating: 3/5
Cast: Dhanush, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Shiva Rajkumar, Sundeep Kishan, Nivedhithaa Satish, Jayaprakash and others
Music: GV Prakash Kumar
DOP: Siddhartha Nuni
Producers: Sendhil Thyagarajan, Arjun Thyagarajan
Written and Directed by: Arun Matheswaran
Release Date: Jan 26, 2024
