In a remarkable and inspiring journey from curiosity to the silver screen, filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy brings the heroic story of Major Mukund Varadarajan to life in the film ‘Amaran’, featuring the popular Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan. This highly anticipated film, slated for release this Deepavali, promises to capture the journey and sacrifice of an Indian Army hero whose legacy transcends his gallant deeds on the battlefield.
The origins of ‘Amaran’ trace back to an incident in 2014, which deeply touched Periasamy. A video clip of an armyman teaching his three-year-old daughter the iconic patriotic Tamil song ‘Achamillai Achamillai’ by the seminal poet Subramania Bharati ignited Periasamy’s interest. This poignant scene captured Periasamy’s imagination and left him wanting to learn more about the man who, unbeknownst to him, was preparing for a sacrifice of the highest order. The result of this undying curiosity materialized into ‘Amaran’, a film that delves into the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award during peacetime, for his supreme sacrifice while leading counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir.
Major Mukund Varadarajan was more than a war hero; he embodied qualities of integrity, courage, and dedication that resonated throughout his life. As Periasamy articulates, “Mukund’s decision to teach that song to his daughter exemplified his values without any foreknowledge of the fate that docked for him. It perfectly reflects his internal compass and strong moral fiber.” The film, therefore, not only portrays his heroics but explores his days as a student at Madras Christian College, where the seeds of his storied life were planted.
Interestingly, Madras Christian College was also where Mukund met his future wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese, portrayed by Sai Pallavi. Periasamy recognizes the audience’s appetite for grandiose cinematic experiences and believes the genuine life moments of army personnel like Mukund naturally lend themselves to larger-than-life storytelling. “These daring, daunting experiences stem from the person he was,” comments Periasamy.
Periasamy, who earlier directed the noteworthy film ‘Rangoon’ in 2017, was certain of the importance of telling Major Mukund’s story on a grand canvas. He approached none other than Kamal Haasan with the film concept, which resulted in Haasan producing ‘Amaran’.
. Rajkumar Periasamy recalls Haasan being so moved by the story, expressing a desire to offer “30 years of his own life to this young man.”
When Sivakarthikeyan was approached for the lead role, the involvement unfolded seamlessly. Acknowledging Sivakarthikeyan’s profound respect for the armed forces and recognizing the actor’s willingness to transform himself for such a significant role, Periasamy knew he had found his protagonist. “This film marks an important transition in Sivakarthikeyan’s career. It represents more than just another film; it’s an influential chapter in his repertoire,” remarks Periasamy.
Sai Pallavi’s performance as Indhu is vital to the emotional core of ‘Amaran’. The actress was so committed to the integrity and dimension of her role that she ensured a contractual agreement to prevent any cuts in her scenes. Periasamy underscores Indhu’s role as more than mere backdrop but rather as the emotional anchor tied intricately with Mukund’s narrative. “The film could not exist without portraying the strength and support Indhu provided. She epitomized unwavering support and love toward Mukund, defining a perspective that audiences need to witness,” he explains.
The film’s production was an adventure to be remembered, especially for its numerous sequences shot in the politically sensitive, challenging landscape of Kashmir. Highlighting the film’s real-life character of Kashmir, Periasamy shares a memorable experience: “We began shooting at the 44 Rashtriya Rifles headquarters on May 4, 2023, commemorating a touching ritual with the battalion’s commander. The soldiers’ assistance was invaluable through the testing terrain,” he recalls, emphasizing the emotional weight carried by the location.
As ‘Amaran’ prepares for its theatrical debut on October 31, anticipation swells, not just for its artistic narrative but for its compelling storytelling that carries the heroic spirit of an Indian Army soldier whose legacy serves as a tribute to courage and sacrifice.
