In a compelling turn of events that marks the culmination of aspirations and hard work, popular Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan finds himself donning the military uniform on screen in the upcoming biographical drama, “Amaran”. This new role brings his journey as an artist full circle, especially considering his early admiration for the character played by superstar Vijay in the 2012 blockbuster “Thuppakki”, an edge-of-the-seat action thriller that followed an Indian Army soldier on a clandestine mission against sleeper cells in Mumbai. Reflecting on that time, Sivakarthikeyan, then a budding actor and television anchor, reveals how he faced challenges even to secure tickets for the film’s premiere. It was Rajkumar Periasamy, an assistant to then-director AR Murugadoss, who came to his rescue. “At that time, possessing a ‘Thuppakki’ ticket was cooler than owning a gun,” he recalls with a smile.
Fast forward 12 years, and in the cinematic universe of “The Greatest of All Time”, Sivakarthikeyan, often said to be the last of a generation of theatre-trained Tamil superstars, inherits the symbolic ‘Thuppakki’ from Vijay, who is now navigating the political scene alongside his film career. While this moment might suggest a passing of the torch, Siva is quick to clarify that it doesn’t imply stepping into the shoes of Vijay. “Vijay sir has had his own unique journey. It’s irreplaceable. Every actor carves out their own space, and audiences are ready to embrace anyone who delivers worthwhile cinema,” he asserts.
This Deepavali, Sivakarthikeyan steps into a role that resonates with his past admiration for the army. He portrays Major Mukund Varadarajan, AC, an Indian Armed Forces hero with a stirring legacy, in the biopic “Amaran”. Under the direction of Rajkumar, who shares past professional ties with Sivakarthikeyan and has previously worked with AR Murugadoss, the film endeavors to move beyond the usual narratives of conflict in Kashmir, highlighting instead the human stories of soldiers and the impact on their families.
Embodying Major Mukund demanded that Siva step outside his comfort zone of commercial cinema. It was a challenge that presented not just physical demands, requiring him to transform his physique between roles as a young cadet and a seasoned major, but also called for emotional depth.
. “This role is in stark contrast to the typical heroic packaging in my earlier films. It’s the emotional arcs that really connect with the larger audience,” explains Siva.
Preparing for the role involved comprehensive research into Major Mukund’s life. The actor and filmmakers spent time with the late officer’s family and military colleagues to capture the essence of his charismatic yet commanding persona. Major Mukund was described as a lively presence off-duty, while maintaining the gravitas of leadership on missions—a duality Siva worked hard to portray authentically.
Transforming into an Army commander required Siva to rethink his usual approach. Authenticity became key; understanding the subtleties of military leadership meant moving beyond simply delivering lines with authority to grasping the significance of uniting soldiers with common purpose and resolve.
Furthermore, Siva notes a serendipitous personal parallel: his late father, G Doss, was a Jail Superintendent, sharing certain authoritative traits with Major Mukund. These shared qualities helped Sivakarthikeyan naturally acclimate to playing the role.
Shooting “Amaran” in Kashmir, particularly in territories where Major Mukund had worked, added a layer of realism to the film. The production team navigated regions synonymous with conflict, such as the road notable for the 2019 Pulwama attack, demanding heightened security and offering visceral insights into daily military life. Encounters with Army units, who despite being off-duty, engaged with the film’s crew, only underscored the sacrifices and dedication inherent in their roles.
In preparation for scenes requiring precision shooting, Sivakarthikeyan trained with real AK 47s, lending further authenticity to his portrayal. The feedback from military personnel who previewed the film was overwhelmingly positive, with some even jokingly offering Siva a role within their ranks—a validation of his and the team’s hard work in bringing Major Mukund’s inspiring story to life.
“Amaran” is set to release in theaters on October 31, promising to leave audiences with a poignant depiction of valor intertwined with personal sacrifice—ensuring the emotional footprint of Major Mukund’s story remains indelible on the silver screen.
