In an innovative homage to the late Tamil film industry giant and political leader, Vijayakant, the sparkling new sci-fi thriller “The Greatest of All Time” (G.O.A.T) is set to feature a digitized version of the lauded actor, affectionately known to fans as ‘Captain’. This groundbreaking move is steered by superstar Vijay and adept filmmaker Venkat Prabhu, aiming to celebrate the illustrious legacy of the revered icon using the marvels of Artificial Intelligence.
During an enlightening interview with Galatta Media, Premalatha Vijayakanth, the spouse to the late actor and prominent leader of the DMDK party, disclosed the intentions of the film’s crew to seek the blessing of Vijayakant’s family for bringing the ‘Captain’ back to the silver screen through advanced digital technology. The consent came as Premalatha reflected on her husband’s longstanding fellowship with Vijay, highlighting the history Vijayakant shared with the ace actor and his father, the respected filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar.
Premalatha’s insights into her late husband’s sentiments proved to be a pivotal factor, having remembered Vijayakant’s choices and his tremendous respect for Vijay and Chandrasekhar. The late actor and politician’s own career was punctuated by a series of collaborations with Chandrasekhar, amassing a noteworthy count of 17 films. This strong connection underscored the family’s approval of Vijay’s plan to reimagine Vijayakant’s presence through AI.
Enhanced with familial ties to the industry, Premalatha also shares a personal familiarity with director Venkat Prabhu, who happens to be a part of the illustrious Ilaiyaraaja’s clan. A meeting between the widow and superstar Vijay is anticipated to occur following the conclusion of the approaching general elections, setting the stage for further positive developments on this cinematic venture.
“The Greatest of All Time” is a testament to the strength of industry relationships and the evolution of filmmaking, hailing from the production house of Kalpathi S Aghoram’s AGS Entertainment. This anticipated feature length celebration of Vijayakant’s life and legacy is not just a tribute but also a union of talents, with music from the acclaimed Yuvan Shankar Raja. The film’s creators have already teased audiences with the first single, ‘Whistle Podu,’ building anticipation for its theatrical release on September 5.
The cast is adorned with an array of stars, including Meenakshi Chaudhary, Prabhu Deva, Prashanth, Sneha, Laila, Vaibhav, Mohan, Jayaram, and Ajmal Ameer, suggesting a veritable feast for cinema enthusiasts. While the film genre hints at a sci-fi thriller narrative, the centerpiece is undeniably the ambitious digital resurrection of Vijayakant, which has fans eager and intrigued.
Venkat Prabhu, known for his 2011 hit Mankatha with Ajith Kumar, is now counted among the elite directors who have had the unique opportunity to direct both Vijay and Ajith—joining notable names like AR Murugadoss, Vasanth Sai, SJ Suryah, KS Ravikumar, Vikraman, Ezhil, AL Vijay, and Perarasu.
The art of cinema finds itself in a perpetual state of evolution and “The Greatest of All Time” exemplifies this progression. This project takes on added significance as artist Vijayakant not only left an indelible mark on the celluloid world but also ventured successfully into politics, founding his own party after an illustrious cinematic journey. His unexpected passing on December 28, 2023, was met with a deep sense of loss in the Tamil Nadu political landscape and in the hearts of countless film aficionados.
As the Tamil film industry continues to usher in groundbreaking narratives and technical marvels, the presence of revered figures such as Vijayakant is sorely missed. However, “The Greatest of All Time” promises to bridge the past and the future, offering audiences a chance to witness a beloved actor’s presence in a new avatar, immortalizing his legacy in digital form for present and future generations.
