In a full-circle moment, actor Sivakarthikeyan finds himself stepping into the shoes of an Indian Army officer, bringing to life the story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, AC, on the silver screen. This illustrious role marks a significant departure from his usual repertoire of commercially-packaged films. Known for his engaging performances in light-hearted films, Sivakarthikeyan is embarking on a challenging journey to portray a real-life hero in the upcoming Rajkumar Periasamy-directed biopic ‘Amaran’.
In 2012, Sivakarthikeyan was a television anchor with budding aspirations as an actor, enthusiastic about watching Vijay’s Diwali release, ‘Thuppakki’. Despite the challenges he faced in securing tickets, his friend Rajkumar Periasamy, who was then working under ‘Thuppakki’s director, AR Murugadoss, facilitated his attendance. Sivakarthikeyan humorously tweeted his excitement, declaring that having a ‘Thuppakki’ movie ticket was cooler than owning a gun. Fast forward twelve years and the tides have significantly shifted. Sivakarthikeyan is not only cementing his legacy in the Tamil film industry but is also receiving a symbolic gesture from superstar Vijay, known as ‘Thalapathy’ by his legion of fans. As Vijay nears the twilight years of his acting career, he metaphorically passes on the ‘Thuppakki’ to Sivakarthikeyan, signifying the continuation of theatrical prowess to the last of the cinema-bred Tamil stars.
Sivakarthikeyan emphasizes that this gesture is not about replacing Vijay. “Vijay sir’s journey is unique and irreplaceable. Each artist has their own place and path. The audience welcomes anyone who provides them with good films,” he remarks. Now, embodying the essence of a valiant Army officer, Sivakarthikeyan takes on the soulful mission of portraying Major Mukund, who was martyred during a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir. The character’s complexity goes beyond his duty, delving into the personal lives and challenges faced by soldiers and their families.
Sivakarthikeyan admits the transition was challenging but states that Rajkumar’s script guided him in embracing this robust role. “I had to set aside my strengths and discover new facets of my connection with the audience,” he explains.
. Preparing to portray an Army officer involved rigorous physical conditioning. The role demanded that Sivakarthikeyan appear both lean and robust, embodying the distinct life stages of Major Mukund – from a young cadet to a dignified Major. He embraced a strict regimen, working out twice daily, consuming more protein to build a formidable physique suitable for the portrayal of an Army major.
To convincingly represent Major Mukund, Sivakarthikeyan engaged deeply with the military community, including meetings with the family of the late officer and Indian Army personnel. This study provided insight into Major Mukund’s multifaceted persona, revealing a merry entertainer amidst the gravity of his responsibilities. Sivakarthikeyan reflects solemnly on how understanding these character nuances helped transform his approach, adding authenticity to his performance as a commanding officer.
Drawing parallels between his own father, G Doss, who served as a Jail Superintendent, and Major Mukund, Sivakarthikeyan found a personal connection that enriched his portrayal. The film extends beyond action, providing a window into Major Mukund’s family life, with Sai Pallavi portraying his wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese, thus rendering the character more relatable. This biopic attempts to genuinely depict the lived experiences of soldiers, contrasting with the romanticized portrayals often seen in films.
‘The Greatest of All Time’ (G.O.A.T), featuring a significant dialogue, “Hold the gun, Siva,” resonates with the realism of filming in Kashmir using genuine AK 47s, embodying the essence of real-life challenges faced by soldiers. The film crew took the collective mission of authenticity seriously, shooting directly in locations where Major Mukund served, enduring the atmospheric tension of Kashmir’s conflict zones.
The film was screened before military personnel, who praised the realism and sincerity portrayed in ‘Amaran’. A poignant moment for Sivakarthikeyan occurred when an officer commended his performance by suggesting a career with them, a testament to the film’s authenticity and the cast’s dedication.
As ‘Amaran’ gears up for an October 31 theatrical release, audiences prepared for an emotionally charged narrative that celebrates the legacy and personal sacrifice of Major Mukund Varadarajan, vividly brought to life by Sivakarthikeyan’s transformative performance in one of Tamil cinema’s most awaited releases.
