Dhanush has addressed the controversy surrounding Raayan's Best Tamil Film win at the 72nd National Film Awards, saying he agrees that other films deserved the recognition more — but adding that many of his own earlier and more deserving films never received the award either.

Speaking at a blood donation and welfare event on Sunday, which coincided with Raayan's second release anniversary, Dhanush acknowledged the audience's sentiment that films like Meiyazhagan, Amaran and Maharaja were stronger candidates. However, he pointed out that films like Pudhupettai, Raanjhanaa, Vada Chennai, Karnan and Maryan had received no National Award recognition despite being widely regarded as superior work. "This time, one of my films received the award," he said, suggesting it was destined for Raayan.

Raayan opened to mixed reviews upon release in 2024 but went on to earn over Rs 150 crore worldwide, making it one of the two highest-grossing films of Dhanush's career alongside Tere Ishk Mein.