Amaran (2024 film)

Amaran
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRajkumar Periasamy
Screenplay byRajkumar Periasamy
Based on
India's Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes
by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyCH Sai
Edited byR. Kalaivanan
Music byG. V. Prakash Kumar
Production
companies
Distributed bysee below
Release date
  • 31 October 2024 (2024-10-31)
Running time
169 minutes[2]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget₹70–200 crore[3][4][5]
Box officeest. ₹320 crore[6]

Amaran (transl. The Immortal) is a 2024 Indian Tamil-language biographical action war film directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, together with Sony Pictures Films India. The film stars Sivakarthikeyan as Major Mukund Varadarajan, alongside Sai Pallavi, Rahul Bose and Bhuvan Arora. It is an adaptation of the book series India's Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh, which contains a segment based on Mukund. The film follows Indhu Rebecca Varghese, Mukund's wife, who narrates the life of the Major on her way to New Delhi to receive the Ashoka Chakra, which was awarded posthumously to Mukund.

The film was officially announced in January 2022 under the tentative title Sivakarthikeyan 21, as it is his 21st film as a lead actor, and the official title was announced in February 2024. Principal photography commenced in May 2023 with a sporadic schedule at Kashmir along with a schedule in Chennai, which was again followed by another schedule held at Pondicherry, and wrapped after a year. The film has music composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, cinematography handled by debutant CH Sai and editing by R. Kalaivanan.

Amaran released worldwide on 31 October 2024 in theatres, coinciding with Diwali, to widespread critical acclaim from critics, who praised Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi's performances, direction, screenplay, and G. V. Prakash's music. It set several box office records, emerging as the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024, eighth highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, eighth highest-grossing Tamil film of all time and the sixth highest-grossing film in Tamil Nadu.

Plot

Indhu Rebecca Varghese, along with her daughter, Arsheya Mukund, father-in-law, Varadarajan, and mother-in-law, Geetha Varadarajan, are on their way to New Delhi to receive the Ashoka Chakra, which is being posthumously awarded to Indhu's husband, Mukund Varadarajan. Saying that she is forever in a long-distance relationship with her love, she begins narrating the story of him.

Indhu begins her undergraduate degree at a Madras Christian College in Chennai, where Mukund is her senior. Indhu is chosen as a model for a fashion show after many participants modeled from many colleges, where she would represent their college at a modeling event. Initially, she resists from going, however Mukund, as her helper, makes her reconsider her decision of participating. Eventually winning the competition, she thanks Mukund, love blossoming between them. Shortly afterward, they fall in love and begin dating, and Indhu eventually finds out that he wants to join the Indian Army. However, his mother, Geetha, upon finding this out, starts to oppose his decision; still, a determined Mukund passes his National Defence Academy entry exam with the support of Indhu and Varadarajan.

Later, when Indhu is introduced to the Varadarajan family, his mother is immediately displeased and shows disapproval towards the marriage, unlike his father and two sisters.

After several months of hard training, Mukund is promoted to be a rifle and gun trainer, serving in Mhowgaon. Meanwhile, when Indhu expresses her love for Mukund to her family, her father, George Varghese, and her second elder brother, Deebu, show anger and reluctance, due to the fact that he was a Tamilian, and that too, an Army officer. Tensions heat up when Mukund enrages over George's reporting to his commanding officer that his daughter was in love with Mukund. Eventually they break up, disheartening Indhu.

After a year of silence, both the families agree to their marriage and they get married on June 30, 2009, after which, the couple get pregnant and have a daughter named Arsheya, on March 17, 2011. Soon after, Mukund gets promoted to the role of a Captain, serving in the United Nations Syria-Lebanon border Mission.

Afterwards, Mukund gets posted into the Rashtriya Rifles battalion in the 44th regiment, on October 18, 2012, in place of the previous Company Commander, Major Mithun Mohan. He is introduced to the CAT (Counter Assault Team) Team – Sepoy Vikram Singh, Ravi Shankar, Michael, Waheed, Saifudeen, Rajesh, Venkanna, Major Srinath, Jyoti, and Joginder –and to his Commanding officer, Colonel Amit Singh Dabas. Dabas gives him a brief overview on the most wanted terrorist in all of Kashmir, Altaf Baba. Waheed and Saifudeen lead Mukund into the nooks and corners of Kashmir, and Mukund meets the father of Altaf Baba, Abdul Gilani, who refuses to concede with the fact that his son is a terrorist and deems him a freedom fighter. Mukund, saving his ego, eventually leaves.

After many months of gathering information, Mukund and his CAT team finally kill Altaf Baba, after a tough fight and stone pelting by civilians on June of 2013. Mukund's bravery and valor is celebrated by his entire team, but he refuses to accept the Sena Medal from the Colonel, instead recommending Waheed or Joginder as Waheed guided him through Kashmir and Joginder neutralized a terrorist allowing Mukund to nab Altaf Baba, during the operation. But soon, another terrorist named Asif Wani, a Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, pops up in the Military intelligence radar; Mukund and his team are on on a hunt for him. Afterwards, during a training with guns and rifles, Saifudeen misfires and hits Mukund in the back, agonizing him in pain. Mukund insists to shift to Kerala, in the care of his father-in-law, and suggests that the care at the military hospital will let officials know Saifudeen misfired it, leading them to fire him from the job. He later takes treatment in Kerala, simultaneously spending time with Indhu and Arsheya. When Indhu cries looking at his wound, he asks her to promise that she will never cry, even if he were to die in the future. A reluctant Indhu promises him, and they head to Chennai to see Mukund's parents and buy a new house.

After a month, he leaves, and is traumatized by the death of his informer, Latif, who is killed by Asif Wani once finding out that he contributed to the death of Altaf Baba.

Moments before his death, Latif lets Wani know that Waheed and Mukund were the major culprits for Altaf Baba dying. By this, an enraged Wani attacks Mukund and Srinath in their convoys, and Waheed is kidnapped and tortured, but Mukund and the CAT team eventually save him from being beheaded, despite Dabas expressing ambivalence. Dabas, as the election time nears, gives a major alert to the CAT team to help with voting safely, and Mukund along with his team, start to educate the local children and help citizens vote.

Despite the attempts for a successful election, the CAT team is let know that an attack is executed, in the bus with the polling officers, burning the voting ballots, as a warning by Wani to prevent citizens from voting.

Then, on the next day, while the CAT Team sits down for lunch, Waheed lets Mukund know that they've received an important intel that Wani and his people are cooped up in a house in Doodhpathri; the entire team frantically rushes there. Venkanna, Joginder, Jyoti, and Hardeep evacuate the civilians while Ravi, Michael, Waheed, Rajesh, and Saifudeen cover Mukund and Vikram as they enter in the house.

Dabas insists many times that they come back as unknown explosives were planted inside the house; however, Mukund and Vikram are firm on their decision to not let Wani go. They slowly eliminate each and every terrorist, but when Vikram tries to fire at Wani, he shoots Vikram violently, instantly killing him. An enraged Mukund, lobs a grenade into the room of Wani, and eventually kills him through hand-to-hand combat. He later walks out, confirming that the operation was a success, but faints due to the bullet injuries, and excessive blood loss. On Venkanna's lap, Mukund expresses despair for losing Vikram, however Dabas cuts him off and rushes him in the ambulance. Despite multiple attempts to revive him, Mukund breathes his last in Ravi's arms, devastating the CAT team.

It is already morning, and Indhu's first elder brother, Andrews, visits her to break the news on Mukund's death. Indhu breaks down after hearing Dabas's voice message, but later controls herself, remembering the promise she made to her husband.

Mukund's body departs from Kashmir with gun salutes and a teary farewell from the CAT team and Amit Singh Dabas to Tambaram, where his funeral procession takes place. Ravi, with held-back tears lets a stoic Indhu know about Mukund's last words. Saddened but without a single tear in her eyes, Indhu later heads to the crematorium and watches his cremation, with a numb-heart.

Presently, Indhu receives the Ashoka Chakra from President Pranab Mukherjee on 26 January 2015, and a bust of Mukund is opened up in Officers Training Academy, in Chennai, on June 1 2015. The film ends with Indhu sitting next to his monument and feeling the presence of Mukund leaning on her shoulder, but later fading away, implying that it is his soul, which is still bonded to her and his daughter, and will always be.

The real Mukund Varadarajan is later shown in the credits.

Cast

Production

Development

Amaran is a biography of late Major Mukund Varadarajan, who would be portrayed by Sivakarthikeyan.

After the release of Rangoon in 2017, Rajkumar Periyasamy began working on a new project, which was set to be his second directorial. It was also set to be produced by Kamal Haasan, in his second collaboration with director after the latter previously worked on a reality show, hosted by Haasan.[7] The director, however, changed his mind after he was suggested by Vakil Khan to read one of the chapters from the book series India's Most Fearless by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh, which is about Major Mukund Varadarajan. Khan further suggested him to make a biographical film about the Major, whereas he would secure the rights of the book from Sony Pictures Films India, who would give the rights and fund the venture.[8] After asking to put their venture on hold, Haasan agreed to Rajkumar's request and also requested himself to jointly fund the biography with Sony Pictures Films India.[9]

In late December 2021, Sivakarthikeyan was signed by the makers to portray the role of Mukund Varadarajan.[citation needed] Previously, the actor had collaborated with Rajkumar before they both entered in the film industry, where they had worked for private Tamil channels, many projects and shows.[10] The following January, during the finale of Bigg Boss: season 5, Haasan announced the project; however, he did not state that it would be a biographical film of the Major.[11] A few days later, the actor's company, Raaj Kamal Films International, along with Sony Pictures, made a public announcement on 15 January, tentatively titled #Sivakarthikeyan21 and Production #51–for the former company.[12] The film's official title Amaran was revealed on 16 February 2024,[13] coinciding the eve of Sivakarthikeyan's birthday after Rajkumar had gained permission from the makers of the 1992 film of the same name.[14]

Pre-production

Rajkumar, a few weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic, visited Varadarajan's family and gained information's about the latter's life. During an interview with Ananda Vikatan, he stated that he gained many information from many perspectives, which helped a lot to form the screenplay of the film. Initially, Rajkumar and Haasan scouted for a debut to portray Varadarajan. Until, Mahendran, co-header of Raaj Kamal Films International, suggested Sivakarthikeyan to portray him. To which, Rajkumar forward suggested it to Haasan, and him agreeing.[8][15]

A muhurat puja was held on 5 May 2023 at the headquarters of Raaj Kamal Films International in Chennai with the film's cast and crew along with Varadarajan's family, including his wife Indhu Rebecca Varghese and daughter. However, their inclusion in the puja were not revealed due not to reveal the film being a biopic of the Major.[16][8] G. V. Prakash Kumar was chosen to score the music, in his first collaboration with Periyasamy.[17] The director continued to crew production designer Rajeevan, cinematographer CH Sai, editor R. Kalaivanan, duo stunt choreographers Anbariv, dance choreographer Sherif, costume designers Amritha Ram, Sameera Saneesh and V. Sai for the technical crew.[18]

Casting

Sivakarthikeyan underwent immerse training for almost a year during the pre-production process for his role as Mukund Varadarajan;[19][20] he was also disallowed from revealing his hairstyle in public, covering his head with a beanie until the film's first look poster was released.[21] Rajkumar stated that the actor also went through a workshop at Mumbai to change his body-language from a soft-spoken to an Army officer.[22] Sai Pallavi was cast, pairing opposite Sivakarthikeyan, in her first pairing with the actor.[23] She would play the role of Mukund's wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese,[24][25] and would receive a remuneration of ₹3 crore.[26] Bollywood actor Bhuvan Arora was revealed to portray Sepoy Vikram Singh, Mukund's colleague, in his debut Tamil film.[27][28] He stated that his role was dedicated to his father, who served in the army.[29] Rahul Bose, Ajaey Naga Raaman, Mir Salman, and Gaurav Venkatesh were also confirmed to be part of the cast.[30]

Filming and post-production

Principal photography began with the first schedule on 5 May 2023 at Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.[31] The shooting was halted due to G20 summit and security reasons.[32] Filming then resumed by 22 May.[33] Sivakarthikeyan returned to Chennai in late May.[34] After a short break, filming continued on 7 June.[35] Filming was paused on 15 July.[36] On 27 August, the schedule had concluded,[37] which lasted for 75 working days.[38] The second schedule began on 21 October at a film city in Chennai, for filming a song sequence featuring Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi.[39] On 9 November, production moved to Pondicherry.[40] Sivakarthikeyan went clean-shaven in mid-December, for filming Mukund's younger portions.[41] Rajkumar, during an interview with Ananda Vikatan in February 2024, stated that only minor portions of Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi were left.[22] After a month break,[42] the unit kick-started their final schedule on 26 April 2024, shooting the scenes of Major Mukund and Sepoy Vikram's martyring, on the fateful night of 25 April 2014, during the Qazipathri Operation (Shopian Encounter) involving the Anbariv stunt duo.[43][44][45] Filming wrapped by 25 May 2024.[46][47] The visual effects for the film were handled by Unifi Media.[18]

Music

Main article: Amaran (soundtrack)

The soundtrack is composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, in his first collaboration with both Sivakarthikeyan and Rajkumar. The audio rights were acquired by Saregama.[48] Jen Martin scored music for muhurat puja video, which released on 5 May 2023. The track featured the vocals of Jen Martin, Sathya Narayanan, Madhuvanthy Ganesh and Ramani, and lyrics penned by Vishnu Edavan.[49] Rajkumar stated that there are some fast-paced dance numbers in the film.[50] In mid-June, Prakash revealed the musical works of the film were almost completed.[51] The first single, "Hey Minnale," released on 4 October.[52] The second single "Vennilavu Saaral" was released on 17 October.[53] The audio launch was held on 18 October 2024 at Sri Sairam Engineering College in Chennai.[54] The third single "Uyirey" was released on 30 October 2024,[55] whilst the fourth single "Vaane Vaane" and fifth single "Amara" were released respectively on 9 and 11 November 2024, as a part of the extended soundtrack.[56][57]

Release

Theatrical

Amaran was theatrically released worldwide on 31 October 2024 in theatres, coinciding with Diwali, clashing with Brother and Bloody Beggar.[58][59] Apart from its original Tamil language, it was also released in the Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada languages.[60] In the United Kingdom, as well as the rest of the world, the film was released on the same day; however, in a version which was classified 15 by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) for strong violences, injury details and language, following 20 seconds of cuts.[61]

The film received a U/A certification by the Central Board of Film Certification after modifications to gory images, muting language and modifying a wrong map shown during the film.[62] Initially, the film was reportedly scheduled to release on 15 August, coinciding with Independence Day.[63] However, it was soon after reported to have been postponed to 27 September, but was pushed once again to its current date.[64][65] A special screening was held on 24 October 2024 at New Delhi for the army officials and their family members.[66]

Distribution

Sreshth Movies brought the distribution rights of the film for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for ₹5 crores.[67] Red Giant Movies acquired the distribution rights for Tamil Nadu while Pen Marudhar Entertainment bought the Rights to distribute the Hindi version Along with the North Indian release [68] Home Screen Entertainment bought the overseas distribution rights of the film.[69]

Home media

The digital streaming rights were acquired by Netflix and the satellite rights by Star Network for all languages. [70][71] Initially, the film was reported to be available for streaming at Netflix in November; however, due to the immense success of the film, it was postponed to early December.[72] The film will began streaming on Netflix from 5 December 2024 in Tamil and dubbed versions of Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi languages.[73]

Reception

Critical response

Amaran received widespread critical acclaim, who praised Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi's performances, direction, screenplay, G. V. Prakash's soundtrack and background score.[74][75][76]

Jagadish Angadi of Deccan Herald gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Sharp editing, gripping pace, engaging narrative and impressive production design make this soul-stirring military drama a perfect family watch."[77] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of News18 gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Rajkumar Periasamy needs a huge salute for making a subtle but incredibly touching ode to a soldier. [...] Amaran doesn't rely on easy gimmicks; instead, it builds genuine heroic moments, with Sivakarthikeyan delivering a restrained yet powerful performance."[78] Avinash Ramachandran of The Indian Express gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "With wonderful performances by Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, Amaran is a poignant yet powerful tale about Major Mukund Varadarajan's love for India, and his wife Indhu."[79]

Roopa Radhakrishnan of The Times of India gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Amaran is a worthy tribute to the legacy of Major Mukund Varadarajan. Even with all the glitches in between, the film makes us cherish and celebrate Mukund and the courageous officer he was."[80] Janani K of India Today gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Amaran is a beautiful, emotional and intriguing ode to Major Mukund Varadarajan and army men like him. Watch out for the emotional sequences throughout the film."[81] Kusumika Das of Times Now gave 3/5 stars and wrote, "Rajkumar Periasamy's direction, combined with strong performances by Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, make Amaran a must-watch for those interested in stories of patriotism, love, and sacrifice."[82]

Gopinath Rajendran of The Hindu wrote "A pacy screenplay, marvellous performances and excellent technical prowess make Amaran a brilliant ode to the resilient families who love their bravehearts."[83] Goutham S of Pinkvilla wrote "Amaran is truly an immortal tale of a soldier whose legacy will pass on as an inspiration for many leaders and soldiers. With strong performances and characterizations, this biographical war film is worth a watch on the big screens."[84] Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times wrote "Amaran is a wonderful tribute to those serving in the army and their families and is a stark reminder that our freedom exists because of their sacrifices. One walks away from Amaran with a heavy heart for those who lost loved ones on the battlefield and yet, happy that their legacy will never go unknown and be immortalized on the silver screen thanks to directors like Rajkumar."[85]

Mukund's Commanding officer, Amit Dabbas, had expressed his gratitude to the team of the film and also requested the viewers to appreciate the strength of the people who serve the country.[86]

Box office

Amaran grossed ₹35 crore (US$4.2 million) worldwide on its opening day, which was the fourth highest first day gross for a Tamil film of 2024 and the highest of Sivakarthikeyan.[87] The film surpassed Raayan to become the third biggest opening for a Tamil film in 2024, behind The Greatest of All Time and Vettaiyan.[88] The film crossed ₹100 crore (US$12 million) in three days, earning over ₹48.25 crore (US$5.8 million) from Tamil Nadu becoming the fastest film of Sivakarthikeyan to reach the ₹100 crore mark.[89]

It grossed an estimated ₹135 crore (US$16 million) worldwide from its opening weekend of four days, becoming the highest opening weekend gross for the actor.[90] Beating Don (2022), it also became the highest-grossing film of Sivakarthikeyan.[91] The film crossed the ₹100 crore (US$12 million) mark in India on its sixth day of release, and the $1 million mark in North America on its fifth day, becoming the first film of the actor to do both.[92] On its tenth day of release, it crossed the ₹100 crore (US$12 million) mark in Tamil Nadu, beating Vettaiyan, and the ₹200 crore (US$24 million) crore mark worldwide, becoming the first film of Sivakarthikeyan to do so.[93]

Controversies

Members of the Tamilaga Makkal Jananayaga Katchi (TMJK) protested in Tirunelveli, Tiruppur, Vellore and Cuddalore on 21 February 2024, alleging that the promotional teaser, released on Sivakarthikeyan's birthday, portrayed Muslims in a "bad light", and also demanded a stall on the film's release.[94][95]

A section of people had criticised the film for not mentioning Mukund's caste, Brahmin, in the film. Rajkumar, at the success meet, stated that it was not shown on the request of Mukund's parents.[96]

In the film, a short sequence featuring a number which was said to be not legible, was actually the number of Vaaseegan V. V., a city student. Receiving many unwanted calls from the film's viewers, he attempted to reach the makers of the film, however, he was unable to do so. Although he had flagged to his service provider, Airtel India, actions are yet to be done.[97] Following a few days, Vaaseegan sent a legal notice to the makers, demanding ₹1.1 crore (US$130,000) in compensation.[98]

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