Initially, a trailer screening was held for the media in Chennai. The cast and crew then travelled to Mumbai for a press interaction.
Published Jun 26, 2024 | 9:53 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 26, 2024 | 10:14 AM
The video gives a glimpse into the back story of Kamal's character, Senapathy. (X)
The trailer for Shankar’s long-awaited film, Indian 2, featuring Kamal Haasan, was released on, 25 June, in multiple languages. Nearly two decades since their first film together, the director-actor duo reunites for the sequel to their 1996 cult vigilante movie.
Initially, a trailer screening was held for the media in Chennai. The cast and crew then travelled to Mumbai for a press interaction.
The Indian 2 trailer blends high-octane action sequences with Kamal Haasan’s multiple looks, though some prosthetic flaws are evident on screen.
Kamal Haasan’s narration in the trailer frames the story as the “second struggle for independence.” It promises gripping entertainment while addressing the theme of corruption, a recurring theme in Shankar’s films.
Hello Mumbai! 🤩🛬 Team #Indian2 🇮🇳 has landed and is all set to ignite the city with excitement and promotions.✨@IndianTheMovie 🇮🇳 Ulaganayagan @ikamalhaasan @shankarshanmugh #Siddharth @anirudhofficial @dop_ravivarman @sreekar_prasad @muthurajthangvl @LycaProductions… pic.twitter.com/46lO2m8Gis
— Lyca Productions (@LycaProductions) June 25, 2024
The Indian 2 trailer begins with discussions about unemployment, corruption, and systemic failures. Siddharth’s character criticises the embezzlement of public funds and chides citizens for venting frustrations on social media instead of taking action, likening them to barking dogs. He fondly recalls his childhood hero Senapathy (played by Kamal Haasan), a formidable vigilante who seems to have withdrawn to the mountains.
SJ Suryah in ‘Indian 2’ trailer. (X)
The trailer, additionally, features Bobby Simha as a police officer, alongside Priya Bhavani Shankar, Rishikanth, and Jagan as Siddharth’s friends. However, SJ Suryah’s character, as a wealthy man steals the spotlight.
Senapathy returns to confront and battle the villains. When Siddharth’s character confronts him, implying that Senapathy is betraying his principles of honesty, the old man asserts that their fight is essential for safeguarding the nation. He advises Siddharth’s character to embrace Gandhi’s peaceful approach, while Senapathy himself opts for the more militant path inspired by Subhas Chandra Bose (Netaji).
Kamal Haasan uses his famous Bigg Boss Tamil catchphrase, “Odavum mudiyadhu, oliyavum mudiyadhu” (There’s no way out, nowhere to hide), in the trailer, which evoked mixed reactions, online. The film’s success now depends on the director’s screenplay and any fresh elements he introduces to captivate the audience.
Indian 2 is set for a release in theatres on 12 July, in multiple languages. During the film’s press conference, Shankar mentioned that, unlike the first installment, Indian 2 will expand its storyline to include other states of India.
He noted, “The film features characters from various parts of the country. In the first part, Kamal sir wore prosthetic makeup for only 40 days, but this time, it was required for 70 days. The previous prosthetics were thick, and I felt they didn’t resemble Kamal sir well. However, this time, I instructed Legacy (a visual effects company) to refine it. Thanks to technological advancements, we now have thinner prosthetics.”
Speaking at the event, Kamal Haasan noted, “The prevalent corruption is the reason why the return of Indian Thatha is being embraced after all these years. Unfortunately, our friends and esteemed actors like Manobala, Vivek, and Nedumudi Venu are not here with us today. It feels like I was working with them just yesterday. Indian films serve as reminders of how quickly time passes.”
The film also includes Brahmanandam, Samuthirakani, Delhi Ganesh, Kalidas Jayaram, and Gulshan Grover, among others. Jointly produced by Lyca Productions and Red Giant Movies, Indian 2 features music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, edited by Sreekar Prasad, and shot by Ravi Varman.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
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