Back in 2014, a video that surfaced online captured a poignant moment of an army officer teaching his three-year-old daughter the renowned Tamil patriotic song, “Achamillai Achamillai” by poet Subramania Bharati. This heartwarming footage didn’t just go viral; it sparked a deep curiosity in an aspiring filmmaker, Rajkumar Periasamy. Those few minutes of video would eventually inspire the creation of “Amaran,” a stirring cinematic tribute to Major Mukund Varadarajan, set for a grand release this Deepavali.
Major Mukund Varadarajan was an officer in the Indian Army revered for his valor and commitment. He attained martyrdom in 2014 during counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir, leading his team from the 44 Rashtriya Rifles. For his exemplary courage, he was posthumously honored with the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration. However, as Rajkumar Periasamy emphasizes, Major Mukund was more than a decorated officer; he was a doting father who imparted patriotism to his daughter, unaware of the impending fate. “He saw it as a duty to teach his daughter a patriotic song, which encapsulates the values he upheld,” reflects Rajkumar.
“Amaran” promises to do more than just depict Major Mukund’s heroic last stand. The film paints a portrait of his life, starting as a young student at Madras Christian College, where he met his future wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese. Actress Sai Pallavi brings Indhu to life on screen, ensuring her presence is integral to Major Mukund’s narrative, a critical element the actress insisted not to be diminished by any script cutbacks. “You can’t tell Major Mukund’s story without narrating Indhu’s,” Rajkumar asserts, highlighting her unwavering support and love throughout their relationship.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, captivated by the narrative’s potential, came on board to produce “Amaran”. Recalling his conversation with the cinema legend, Rajkumar shares, “When I presented the story, he was so moved that he expressed a wish to offer decades of his own life to Major Mukund.
.” For a role this significant, Sivakarthikeyan — who respects the armed forces deeply — was cast as the lead. This role marks a significant change in Sivakarthikeyan’s acting career, pushing him to explore the depth of a hero whose life was full of both ordinary and extraordinary moments. “This isn’t your typical Sivakarthikeyan film,” asserts Rajkumar, emphasizing its importance as a pivotal milestone in the actor’s journey.
The production took the film crew to the very heart of action: Kashmir, where Major Mukund’s saga reached its uncertain conclusion. Kashmir is not merely a backdrop in “Amaran”; it stands as a character within the story, its landscape echoing the solemnity and intensity of the Army officer’s experiences. This reality made filming an emotional venture, beginning profoundly with a special puja at the 44 Rashtriya Rifles headquarters — a poignant homage led by Colonel Gaurav Dixit to honor the martyred officers. Despite political sensitivities and challenging terrains, Rajkumar acknowledges the unfaltering support of the soldiers that made shooting in Kashmir feasible.
Through “Amaran”, audiences are offered a compelling blend of valor, dedication, and personal sacrifice, weaving together the broader tapestry of Major Mukund’s indomitable spirit with intimate storytelling. Rajkumar Periasamy invites families and viewers to partake in commemorating an Indian hero whose legacy endures. Although Mukund’s family was initially advised against watching the film due to the evocative nature of its content, they have embraced it, choosing to remember and cherish Mukund through the lens of resilience and pride.
Set to grace theaters on October 31, “Amaran” is more than a festival release; it’s a nod to the stories that forge national consciousness, a cinematic offering honoring those who sacrificed for others to thrive in peace. As Rajkumar Periasamy encapsulates it, “Whenever we talk about Mukund, there’s a smile, a memory shared from their hearts. In this spirited narrative lies the essence of what it means to be both human and hero.”
