Actor Vikram’s latest, Thangalaan, directed by Pa. Ranjith, has become a talking point since its August 15 release. At a recent event in Chennai, Vikram shed light on the extreme physical demands of his role and the film’s reception.
“Ranjith asked me to shave half my head and wear a loincloth,” Vikram revealed. “It was both exciting and daunting. But I’ve reached a point in my career where I’m willing to go to great lengths for directors I trust.” This transformation, Vikram explained, was crucial to authentically portray the character’s struggles.
The actor’s commitment appears to have paid off. Distributor Sakthivelan reported that Thangalaan collected 68 crores worldwide in its first four days. “Whatever awards are there for acting this year, they all have to go to Vikram,” Sakthivelan stated, echoing the sentiment of an Andhra theater owner.
Director Pa. Ranjith emphasized the film’s broader impact. “Thangalaan has created an important debate in the community,” he said. “It’s challenging to present unfamiliar content and make it successful. We’ve managed to do both.”
Producer Gnanavel Raja highlighted the film’s commercial success, noting its strong performance in both Tamil Nadu and Telugu-speaking regions.
The film’s writer, Ashaya Periyavan, provided insight into the narrative’s origins. “It stems from the raw anger of a simple man, which became the right voice for this story,” he explained, hinting at the film’s socio-political undertones.