In the world of Tamil cinema, a compelling story of valor and patriotism is set to captivate audiences this Deepavali, as director Rajkumar Periasamy presents “Amaran.” This film is not just another addition to the roster of Tamil films; it stands as a tribute to an exemplary soldier and a revered figure in Indian history, Major Mukund Varadarajan. Known for his valorous service, Major Varadarajan’s life and sacrifice are celebrated through this cinematic portrayal, starring Sivakarthikeyan in the titular role.
The genesis of “Amaran” traces back to a moment in 2014 when Rajkumar Periasamy, an aspiring filmmaker at the time, stumbled upon a heartwarming video. The clip featured an armyman teaching his three-year-old daughter “Achamillai Achamillai,” a patriotic song penned by the eminent Tamil poet Subramania Bharati. The soldier was none other than Major Mukund Varadarajan. This poignant image of a warrior and devoted father sparked a curiosity in Periasamy, leading him on a journey that would eventually manifest into this film.
“Amaran” is based on the awe-inspiring journey of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a soldier of the Indian Army who laid down his life during a counter-insurgency operation in Kashmir while leading his 44 Rashtriya Rifles unit. In recognition of his bravery, Major Varadarajan was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. “It was his duty to instill patriotic values in his daughter, unaware of the fate that awaited him. His life resonates with the values he cherished,” recounts Rajkumar, offering a glimpse into the profound inspiration behind this project.
The film delves deeper than the battlefield heroics of Major Varadarajan, providing an intimate look at the man behind the uniform. It revisits his formative years as a student at Madras Christian College, where he first met his future wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese, a role brought to life by Sai Pallavi. According to Rajkumar, audiences expect grandiosity in cinema, and the life stories of army personnel inherently possess those larger-than-life moments. The soldier that Major Varadarajan was, stemmed from the exceptional individual he was, irrespective of his military accolades.
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Following the narrative thread from student life to his heroic demise, Rajkumar and his team committed deeply to authenticity and respectfulness in their storytelling. Sivakarthikeyan’s role as Major Mukund is touted as a significant shift in his career, moving away from his typical roles towards an intense and transformative portrayal. Periasamy expresses that both Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi embraced their roles with sincerity, ensuring their characters’ emotional journey was captured with depth and nuance. Sai Pallavi’s performance as Indhu is so crucial that she reportedly insisted on a contract ensuring no cuts to her scenes, highlighting her character’s importance in conveying the complete narrative.
The vision of “Amaran” came to fruition when Rajkumar took the intricate storyline to Kamal Haasan, who was profoundly moved by the narrative. So earnest was his interest that Haasan remarked, “I wish I could have given 30 years from my life to this boy.” In an unprecedented blend of mentorship and production, Kamal Haasan joined hands with Rajkumar to bring this illustrious story to the big screen.
A significant portion of the film was shot on location in Kashmir, not as a mere backdrop but as a character intertwined within the narrative. The production faced considerable challenges amidst the region’s complex political landscape, coupled with its rugged terrains. Yet, the support of local soldiers during shooting underscored the collaborative spirit and respect for the story being told. A poignant moment from the filming is etched in Rajkumar’s memory: the first day of the shoot on May 4, 2023, began with a special puja at the 44 Rashtriya Rifles headquarters. Organized by Colonel Gaurav Dixit, this ceremony honored the martyrs of the unit, setting a reverent tone for the production.
“Amaran” is slated for an October 31 release, aiming to not only entertain but also educate and inspire. As the tale of Major Mukund Varadarajan comes alive on screens, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform and as a celebration of a hero who embodied honor, duty, and love. Tamil cinema is poised to offer its audience a film that is both a captivating narrative and a heartfelt homage to one of India’s bravest sons.
