A touching video of an army officer teaching the inspiring Tamil song “Achamillai Achamillai” to his young daughter in 2014 sparked filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy’s interest. What started as mere curiosity has evolved into the powerful cinematic tale, ‘Amaran,’ set for release this Deepavali, starring the versatile actor Sivakarthikeyan. The film pays homage to the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a commendable Indian Army officer celebrated for his bravery. Mukund was tragically killed during a counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir, leaving behind a legacy honored with the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peace-time military decoration.
Rajkumar Periasamy reflects on the poignant ethos that Major Mukund encapsulated through his simple act of teaching patriotism to his daughter. “It was his duty, and unbeknownst to him, it was also his legacy. It showcases the fundamental values he stood for,” explains the filmmaker. For many, Major Mukund represents an Indian hero whose life echoed sacrifice and honor. Amaran shares this tale but also delves into the lesser-known facets of Mukund’s life — his upbringing, academic days at the prestigious Madras Christian College, and his meeting with Indhu Rebecca Varghese, who would become his life partner, portrayed by the talented Sai Pallavi in the film.
“Mukund’s heroics were borne from the man he was,” says Rajkumar, highlighting the universal appeal and larger-than-life persona embedded in the life of an army man. This sentiment is artfully translated on-screen to appeal to cinematic audiences who cherish epic narratives. Sivakarthikeyan, an actor known primarily for lighter, comedic roles, steps away from his usual mold to undertake a role that promises to be pivotal in his career trajectory. “This film is significant not just for Sivakarthikeyan, but for Tamil cinema at large,” Rajkumar asserts. The commitment of the film team was credited to involving seasoned filmmaker Kamal Haasan, who instantly saw the story’s potential and came on board as producer.
. Kamal was deeply affected by Mukund’s story and remarked on the profound impact it had on him, wishing he could have shared a part of his own life with the heroic major.
As production for ‘Amaran’ took off, Sivakarthikeyan found himself in a transformative role that demanded not just physical commitment but a deeper relatability to Major Mukund’s essence. Sai Pallavi, portraying Indhu, asserted her role critically, ensuring no reduction in her pivotal scenes, as they hold the emotional core of the narrative. “Indhu’s role is indispensable. Her unwavering support and partnership with Mukund are crucial to telling the complete story,” Rajkumar explains. Filming was an emotional journey, especially when recreating heart-wrenching moments that mirrored reality too closely for Mukund’s family. In a sensitive approach, Rajkumar advised them against watching certain parts of the film to avoid traumatic memories yet acknowledges their extraordinary resilience in revisiting Mukund’s story.
Kashmir serves not just as a setting but as a character in its own right within ‘Amaran.’ The director fondly remembers the film’s inaugural day of shooting on May 4, 2023, at the 44 Rashtriya Rifles headquarters, marked by a ceremonial puja. The event felt monumental, commemorating soldiers’ sacrifices, courtesy of Colonel Gaurav Dixit and his considerate unit. Despite the logistical and political challenges of filming in Kashmir’s sensitive locations, the film crew was steadfastly supported by the army personnel.
As ‘Amaran’ approaches its theatrical release on October 31, it promises to offer an evocative blend of action, emotion, and reverence, distinctively bringing Major Mukund’s sacrifice to the big screen while celebrating his life’s narrative in Tamil cinema’s annals. This is more than just another film project; it is a tribute, a story woven with threads of duty, love, and dedication, enshrining Major Mukund’s indelible mark into cinematic history.
