Vikram audio launch highlights: Kamal Haasan and Lokesh Kanagaraj to team up once again

The audio and trailer launch of Vikram (Kamal Haasan's 232nd film), held on Sunday at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor stadium was a glitzy one. The event saw the participation of Lokesh Kanagaraj, Anirudh Ravichander, Vijay Sethupathi, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Pa Ranjith, Silambarasan and others, besides the movie's cast and crew. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj feels his journey has come full circle. “As I have said many times, I learned all aspects of filmmaking from watching only Kamal sir's films. The opportunity to direct him has been a blessing. I have come this far after a nine-year journey. I never had a demand from Kamal sir and he trusted me completely from day one." The filmmaker also thanked Suriya for agreeing to play a special appearance in Vikram.

Having recalled how he was rejected for the role of a background artist in Nammavar, Vijay Sethupathi noted that the seed was probably sown at that time. “At the time, I was too lean and couldn't even grow a moustache. The only thing I remember for sure is that Kamal sir rode a green bike around the set. I was wondering what he was talking about during the break with fellow actors Madhan Bob and Karan. This is what I wanted, and Vikram gave me that opportunity,” he said.

Vijay Sethupathi continued to add, this was an opportunity for him to learn from Kamal Haasan. “It was important for me to understand how Kamal sir would approach the same scene if he were acting with me. He shared a lot of information about acting, life, and cinema. Now that I have shared screen space with him, I wish to be directed by him, someday!”

Silambarasan, who was the surprise guest, wished team Vikram a great success, and went on to say that Kamal Haasan was his guru (mentor). Also, he shook a leg on the stage, to the chartbuster Pathala, Pathala, along with choreographer Sandy.

Pa Ranjith spoke about how Virumaandi inspired him to take to filmmaking. The Kaala filmmaker hinted at the possibility of collaborating with Kamal Haasan, on a Madurai-based script. Eventually, the latter confirmed that it was on the cards.

Music director Anirudh Ravichander said, “Master might have been half a Lokesh film, but Vikram is a fanboy sambavam. I don't usually talk about my films, but Vikram has come out quite well.”

Calling himself a ‘polity-culturist’, Kamal Haasan said he's grateful to the people of Tamil Nadu for having given him a lot of things. “Now, it's my turn to give them something!” Impressed by Lokesh's journey as a director, Kamal Haasan added that the combination with his “sishyan” would continue for the second time.

Written and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Vikram is set to hit screens on June 3.

Vikram, produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal International, along with R Mahendran, has cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Raj.