Directed by Pa Ranjith, the 61st film of the actor is set in the pre-Independence era and features him as a fierce tribal leader.
Published Aug 07, 2024 | 3:50 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 07, 2024 | 4:27 PM
Vikram at 'Thangalaan' audio launch. (Supplied)
At the audio launch of his upcoming film Thangalaan, held in Chennai recently, Vikram shared his struggle with immense physical and emotional pain. He also recounted his enduring 23 surgeries over three years to recover from a severe leg injury.
During his college years, Vikram’s dreams of joining the film industry were abruptly shattered. While excited to participate in a play, he suffered a severe leg injury, crushing his leg from knee to ankle.
Doctors suggested amputation, marking a traumatic and defining moment that led to a prolonged battle with pain and recovery.
Vikram spent three years in the hospital, enduring 23 surgeries to reconstruct his crushed leg. Despite facing severe infections and complications, his spirit remained strong. His journey was not just about physical healing but also maintaining mental fortitude.
Vikram’s relentless recovery and determination to regain full mobility, despite setbacks, demonstrated his unwavering resilience. Eager to seize any opportunity in the film industry, his dedication to his craft and health paid off.
Throughout his journey to stardom, Vikram expressed immense gratitude for the support from fans, family, and colleagues, highlighting their crucial role.
He emphasised the importance of hope and perseverance, sharing his story to inspire others facing similar challenges.
The Grand Audio Launch Event of #Thangalaan was a blast! 🤩💥
A @gvprakash Musical 🎶#ThangalaanAudioLaunch#ThangalaanFromAug15@Thangalaan @chiyaan @beemji @GnanavelrajaKe #StudioGreen @OfficialNeelam @parvatweets @MalavikaM_ @NehaGnanavel @Dhananjayang @KvnProductions… pic.twitter.com/BiC407XN15
— Studio Green (@StudioGreen2) August 5, 2024
At the audio launch, Vikram insisted that Thangalaan is a special film, requiring a complete transformation for his role. Directed by Pa Ranjith, the 61st film of the actor is set in the pre-Independence era and features him as a fierce tribal leader.
Team Thangalaan was in Hyderabad for promotions, where Vikram discussed his interactions with director SS Rajamouli and addressed rumours about his involvement in SSMB29.
Speculations suggested Vikram was in talks for a lead role in the mega-budget film, which Rajamouli will start with Mahesh Babu later this year.
“Yes, Rajamouli is a good friend. We’ve been in talks for many years and will do a film sometime, but we haven’t discussed any specific project,” he said.
After the success of RRR (2022), Rajamouli has been working on the pre-production of SSMB29. So far, only Mahesh Babu has been confirmed. There were earlier rumours about Prithviraj Sukumaran joining the cast, but the director has yet to announce the full cast and crew.
Parvathy Thiruvothu plays Gangamma in the film. (Supplied)
Parvathy Thiruvothu, who is also part of Thangalaan, praised director Pa Ranjith for addressing societal inequality through his art, comparing him to leading an army. She noted that art is political and can cause discomfort when it speaks the truth.
At the Chennai audio launch, Parvathy Thiruvothu said, “Cinema can be seen as entertainment or even a blockbuster, but everything we do is political. There’s nothing apolitical.”
She added that it’s no coincidence that Thangalaan will be released on Independence Day.
“We often use terms like freedom and oppression loosely, but we must keep examining inequality and its persistence. As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s a reality we need to accept. The personal is political, and art is political. Ranjith is leading this charge, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Parvathy Thiruvothu shared that acting in a Pa Ranjith film had been a long-time dream. “I had a chance before Thangalaan, but it didn’t work out. It felt like destiny that I should play Gangamma in Thangalaan. I eagerly accepted when Ranjith called.”
In a recent interview, Pa Ranjith discussed the significant creative, physical, and financial efforts involved in bringing Thangalaan to life. He added that, although set in British-occupied India, the film explores how globalisation exploited disenfranchised people.
At the Thangalaan audio launch, the filmmaker emphasised that Vikram’s calibre was essential for the film and the actor’s dedication led to a standout performance.
Pa Ranjith at the audio launch. (Supplied)
Pa Ranjith envisioned a tribal hero for Thangalaan, intentionally de-glamorising Vikram to the extent that he is nearly unrecognisable. The actor’s transformation, featuring tanned skin, numerous scars, and crooked teeth, is striking.
The renowned director noted that his approach to writing doesn’t cater to a star’s image. “I never write for stars. It’s both my biggest weakness and strength. If you’ve seen my films, you’ll understand,” he told Film Companion.
Pa Ranjith also revealed the challenges of setting Thangalaan in the 19th century, including managing a large cast, eliciting performances, and maintaining historical accuracy. He described the process as intense and pressurised, admitting that despite his usual calm demeanour on set, he lost his temper a few times due to the film’s demands.
“Thangalaan was my most challenging film so far,” Ranjith said, contrasting it with his previous projects. “While my earlier films were relatively easy to shoot, with manageable difficulties, Thangalaan pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Thangalaan, which has been in the making since 2022, is said to be based on a real story set in the Kolar Gold Fields during British rule in India
Also featuring Malavika Mohanan as one of the female leads, the film casts Pasupathy, Daniel Caltagirone, and Harikrishnan Anbudurai in key roles. GV Prakash Kumar composed the music.
Bankrolled by KE Gnanavel Raja under Studio Green and Neelam Productions banners, Thangalaan is set to release in theatres on 15 August in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi, alongside Keerthy Suresh’s Raghu Thatha, and Arulnidhi’s Demonte Colony 2.
From deep trenches to deep conversations!
Listen to our beloved team take you through the world of #Thangalaan.
The Thangalaan Roundtable Part II ▶ https://t.co/K63Sm4sa9z#ThangalaanFromAug15 🗡️ @Thangalaan @chiyaan @beemji @GnanavelrajaKe #StudioGreen @OfficialNeelam… pic.twitter.com/9wRcTZM0vG
— Studio Green (@StudioGreen2) August 7, 2024
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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