Chennai, One of the most anticipated Tamil films of the year, 'Indian 2', which saw the reunion of two big names in the industry, Kamal Haasan and director S Shankar, after 28 years, released in theaters on Friday in amidst mixed reviews.
'Indian 2' is the sequel to the 1996 cult film 'Indian', directed by Shankar.
The sequel is being seen as a comeback of sorts for director Shankar, who seemed to have hit rock bottom after the death of writer Sujatha in 2008. The Shankar-Sujatha combo had spawned many hits in the Tamil film industry, with Rajinkanth and Aishwarya Rai in the lead roles. . 'Enthiran' is considered a pinnacle for them. Hits also include 'Indian', 'Mudhalvan', 'Boys' and 'Shivaji: The Boss'.
Shankar co-wrote the script of 'Indian 2' with writers B Jeyamohan, Kabilan Vairamuthu and Lakshmi Saravana Kumar.
In the film, Kamal Haasan revives the role of Senapathy, fondly called 'Indian Thatha' by fans, who fights corruption, armed with India's ancient martial art practice, 'varma kalai'.
The makers of the film had earlier approached the government of Tamil Nadu, where the first show could only be screened at 9 am (while 6 am screenings are allowed in the neighboring states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ) to get permission for the 6 am show. While that was denied, the makers of 'Indian 2' got permission to hold an extra show (five in a day) for the first three days.
Ahead of the release on July 11, director Shankar took to 'X' to announce that part of the 'Indian' theme song for Senapathy will return in its sequel. “Thanks to @arrahman and @anirudhofficial,” he had posted on X.
The music for the original film was by A R Rahman, while Anirudh composed the music for the sequel.
The decision to revive the character of Senapathy, who according to the plot would be 106 years old, was one of the questions that the 'Indian 2' team often had to answer when meeting the press during promotional tours.
At one such press conference in Mumbai in June, Kamal Haasan joked that he would like to act even when he turns 120. Meanwhile, Shankar had defended his decision by pointing out a 120-year-old Chinese martial artist.
"There is a martial arts master in China, his name is Lu Zijian. At the age of 120 he practices martial arts, flying and kicking and everything. This Senapathy character is also a master, master in an ancient martial art called Varma" Shankar had said.
'Indian 2' is jointly produced by Lyca Productions and Red Giant Movies. It also stars Siddharth, SJ Suryah, Bobby Simha, Gulshan Grover and the late Nedumudi Venu.
'Indian 2' is the sequel to the 1996 cult film 'Indian', directed by Shankar.
The sequel is being seen as a comeback of sorts for director Shankar, who seemed to have hit rock bottom after the death of writer Sujatha in 2008. The Shankar-Sujatha combo had spawned many hits in the Tamil film industry, with Rajinkanth and Aishwarya Rai in the lead roles. . 'Enthiran' is considered a pinnacle for them. Hits also include 'Indian', 'Mudhalvan', 'Boys' and 'Shivaji: The Boss'.
Shankar co-wrote the script of 'Indian 2' with writers B Jeyamohan, Kabilan Vairamuthu and Lakshmi Saravana Kumar.
In the film, Kamal Haasan revives the role of Senapathy, fondly called 'Indian Thatha' by fans, who fights corruption, armed with India's ancient martial art practice, 'varma kalai'.
The makers of the film had earlier approached the government of Tamil Nadu, where the first show could only be screened at 9 am (while 6 am screenings are allowed in the neighboring states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ) to get permission for the 6 am show. While that was denied, the makers of 'Indian 2' got permission to hold an extra show (five in a day) for the first three days.
Ahead of the release on July 11, director Shankar took to 'X' to announce that part of the 'Indian' theme song for Senapathy will return in its sequel. “Thanks to @arrahman and @anirudhofficial,” he had posted on X.
The music for the original film was by A R Rahman, while Anirudh composed the music for the sequel.
The decision to revive the character of Senapathy, who according to the plot would be 106 years old, was one of the questions that the 'Indian 2' team often had to answer when meeting the press during promotional tours.
At one such press conference in Mumbai in June, Kamal Haasan joked that he would like to act even when he turns 120. Meanwhile, Shankar had defended his decision by pointing out a 120-year-old Chinese martial artist.
"There is a martial arts master in China, his name is Lu Zijian. At the age of 120 he practices martial arts, flying and kicking and everything. This Senapathy character is also a master, master in an ancient martial art called Varma" Shankar had said.
'Indian 2' is jointly produced by Lyca Productions and Red Giant Movies. It also stars Siddharth, SJ Suryah, Bobby Simha, Gulshan Grover and the late Nedumudi Venu.
