Arun Matheswaran, a director known for his distinctive cinematic vision, has paved an unconventional path in the Tamil film industry. Since his debut with the 2021 film “Rocky,” which picked up momentum through positive word-of-mouth despite initial screening challenges, he has continued to garner attention and respect for his craft. His next venture, “Saani Kaayidham,” featuring Keerthy Suresh and Selvaraghavan, took an even bolder step by premiering directly on Prime Video. While calculating its reach and commercial success became trickier, the artistic merit of the film was unmistakable.
These early works caught the eye of superstar Dhanush, leading to their collaboration on multiple projects, including the eagerly anticipated “Captain Miller.” As the film’s release approaches, Arun shares his insights on his preference for desaturated color palettes, the decision to cast Shiva Rajkumar, and his broader vision as an artist.
“Our story springs from the theme of oppressed individuals fighting for freedom,” Arun reveals. This narrative was inspired by his army-veteran uncle’s stories and by historical events, particularly during the 1980s in the Sri Lankan Civil War. Conceiving a film initially grounded in that specific historical context posed challenges, with producers hesitant due to the sensitive subject matter. Ultimately, Arun recalibrated the script to focus on the British Army, making the story more accessible while still conveying the intended message.
“Captain Miller” diverges from what one might consider a road movie, although there is an element of constant movement. The characters, akin to nomads or dacoits without a fixed home, traverse various landscapes, but the core of the film remains the powerful drama and the protagonist’s life-altering journey.
Arun distinguishes himself by not conforming to traditional commercial narrative structures, instead providing an intimate examination of his characters’ responses to extraordinary events. With “Captain Miller,” he aims to cater to a wider audience while retaining his unique storytelling style. The inclusion of Dhanush not only presents the promise of star power but also the depth of his acting prowess, as he’s known for embracing substantive, grounded roles. The film promises a balance of action and profound drama, seeking to provide an emotional odyssey through the character’s life.
In moving to a larger-scale project like “Captain Miller,” Arun discusses the need for an altered film language to accommodate a more complex story and the multiple timelines involved. Even so, he ensures that emotions are given time to resonate with the audience.
When examining the visual style, Arun candidly admits to a preference for subtler color schemes, both in film and life, half-jokingly wondering if he might be color-blind.
Dhanush’s performance, matching the film’s nuanced approach, is praised by Arun. Rather than resorting to bombastic acting, Dhanush captures the essence of his character through subtle expression, a choice that is both thematic and significant to the film’s authentic portrayal of common individuals rising against oppressive forces.
Remarkably, “Captain Miller” is envisioned as the middle installment of a trilogy. Arun underscores the importance of this film’s self-containment while still threading connections to a larger narrative that spans centuries.
Musical composition plays a strategic role in the movie’s storytelling, with GV Prakash’s music enhancing the audience’s emotional journey, especially during the initial world-setting.
Discussing the casting of Shiva Rajkumar, Arun explains the decision stemmed from his impressive performance in films like “Mufti” and “Om.” Shiva’s role, though a cameo, carries a powerful presence instantly felt on screen.
The director also addresses the portrayal of violence, opting for a less graphic presentation to avoid alienating viewers. This was a deliberate choice given the film’s themes of war and militancy.
Beyond commercial expectations, Arun aspires to expand the reach of cinema and expresses a desire to finance his future films independently, a goal that guides his current endeavors.
“Captain Miller” prepares to hit theaters on January 12, promising audiences an impassioned story of struggle and perseverance, poignant performances, and the thoughtful craftsmanship of a director carving his own niche in the landscape of Indian cinema.
