The buzz around Dhanush's latest film, "Captain Miller," directed by Arun Matheswaran, has been electrifying since the release of its first look. The internet has been abuzz with discussions about the intriguing name, and in a recent interview, director Arun Matheswaran revealed the compelling backstory.
The narrative of "Captain Miller" delves into the life of Vallipuram Vasanthan, also known as Miller, the first Black Tiger of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Director Arun Matheswaran explained that the film was initially intended to portray Vasanthan's story but took a different turn due to unforeseen circumstances.
Who is Captain Miller?
Vasanthan, born on January 1, 1966, was an Eelam Tamil from Jaffna. Growing up during a tumultuous period marked by ethnic tensions and violence against Tamils, Vasanthan was deeply affected by the tragic events. His mother, Kamaladevi, recalls how he was heartbroken by the atrocities.
The turning point came in July 1983, a dark month in Eelam Tamil history, with anti-Tamil riots erupting in Colombo and spreading across the country. Vasanthan, fueled by rage over the brutal attacks, joined the movement as a Black Tiger, adopting the alias Miller.
In a daring operation on July 5, 1987, Miller and his comrades infiltrated the Sinhala army's armory at Nelliyady, resulting in a powerful explosion that decimated the army's station. More than 40 Sinhalese soldiers lost their lives, but tragically, Miller also perished in the mission.
Miller's mother vividly remembers the night of his sacrifice, recalling the stampede that woke them up. July 5 is now observed as 'Black Tigers' Day' by the LTTE, commemorating Miller's courage.
In the interview, director Arun Matheswaran acknowledged the potential controversy surrounding stories related to Eelam and adapted the narrative to suit the broader audience while maintaining the essence of Captain Miller's inspiring story.