“Indian is back,” echoed through the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Sunday as stars aligned to celebrate the audio launch of the much-anticipated film, Indian 2, featuring actor Kamal Haasan and director Shankar. The event harked back to the duo’s 1996 hit Indian, igniting excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
The electrifying evening was graced by a star-studded lineup. Music director Anirudh Ravichander joined hands with Shankar for the first time, contributing a modern touch to the sequel’s soundtrack. Prominent members of the film’s cast, including Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Bobby Simha, and Brahmanandam, were also in attendance. Actor Silambarasan TR and renowned directors Lokesh Kanagaraj and Nelson lent their support to the grand event.
A special highlight of the night was Shruti Haasan’s performance, where she mesmerized the crowd with a medley of her father’s hit songs. Shankar’s son, Arjith Shankar, and daughter, Aditi Shankar, showcased their talents with dance and song performances, further elevating the nostalgic aura. Meanwhile, celebrities Mouni Roy and Urvashi Rautela enchanted the audience with a spirited dance medley.
Nelson, who directed Bigg Boss Tamil, a show hosted by Kamal, recollected his experiences: “I was there when Indian 2 was first announced. I’ve seen its long journey. Shankar sir has always pushed the boundaries of Tamil cinema to new heights.” He also humorously recounted a moment on the Bigg Boss set when Kamal chastised him for a Tamil spelling error, a memory he cherishes as a badge of honor.
Lokesh Kangaraj, fresh from his collaboration with Kamal on Vikram (2022), shared his anticipation for Indian 2, fondly recalling his visit to the sets to witness Kamal in his iconic ‘Indian thatha’ avatar. “It took almost five minutes to remove the prosthetics from his fingers just for signing our contract,” Kangaraj revealed, illustrating Kamal’s commitment to his craft.
Stars Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh conveyed their awe for Kamal. Kajal described working with Kamal and Shankar as a dream come true, while Rakul expressed admiration for Kamal’s unwavering dedication and continual challenge to himself and his peers.
. “I can finally say I’m also a Shankar sir film heroine,” enthused Rakul.
Veteran actor Brahmanandam offered high praise for both Kamal and Shankar, commending their unmatched dedication to the art of cinema. “It’s an honor to share the screen with such committed professionals,” he noted.
Anirudh, who gained acclaim for his work on Vikram, described his journey with Shankar and Kamal. Citing the legacy of AR Rahman’s music in the original Indian film, he acknowledged the immense expectations for Indian 2’s soundtrack. “Rahman sir’s music inspires me,” he affirmed, pledging to meet the high bar set by his predecessor.
Actor Silambarasan, amidst cheers, reminisced about Indian’s impact on his life, humorously addressing gripes about his late arrival due to shooting commitments. “Indian is a film that holds a special place in my heart,” he shared, lauding Kamal as both his off-screen mentor and on-screen guru.
Director Shankar gave heartfelt thanks to the entire cast and crew, reminiscing about Kamal’s iconic ‘Indian thatha’ role and the challenges faced during production, including an incident that required Kamal to endure three days of filming a complex scene suspended from ropes. Shankar also paid tribute to the late actors Vivekh and Manobala, whose contributions to Indian 2, he assured, would resonate deeply with audiences.
Kamal Haasan then took the stage, reflecting on his long-standing collaboration with Shankar. He expressed gratitude for producer Subaskaran Allirajah of Lyca Productions, who supported the film through numerous setbacks, including a tragic accident and the pandemic. Kamal emphasized the film’s political undertones, celebrating the unity and pride of Tamil identity.
Addressing the character of Senapathy, Kamal quashed speculations about his age in Indian 2, clarifying that Senapathy is merely 15 years older than Kamal himself. He reinforced the themes of identity and unity, countering divisive narratives and advocating for a future where Tamil culture and Indian unity coalesce seamlessly.
Indian 2 promises a rich blend of nostalgia, innovation, and cultural pride. Set to release on July 12, the film anticipates rekindling the spirit of its predecessor while charting new cinematic territories.
