The announcements of the 72nd National Film Awards winners are underway. In Tamil cinema's first major achievement for films released in 2024, Dhanush's Raayan won Best Tamil Film. Making the announcement, National Film Awards Jury head, filmmaker Jayaraj, said that film has "raw power" and the "hero commands the screen with magnetic, brooding ferocity."

Dhanush has also directed the film, besides starring in the main role. The film tells the story of a man's desperate attempts to protect his family and seek vengeance as his siblings get into a war involving rival gangs.

Raayan marked Dhanush's second directorial venture, and it released seven years after his directorial debut Pa Pandi. He would later go on to direct Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (2025) and Idli Kadai (2025).

The award for Raayan marks Dhanush's fifth recognition at the national level, and his first for a film he himself directed. Earlier, Dhanush won Best Actor for his performances in Aadukalam (2010) and Asuran (2019), and he also served as a co-producer on Kaaka Muttai (2014) and Visaranai (2015) that won Best Children's Film and Best Tamil Film, respectively.

Dhanush is yet to react to the recognition for Raayan at the 72nd National Film Awards.