As the much-awaited sequel of Indian is scheduled to hit screens on July 12, fans’ anticipation is at an all-time high.
Twenty-eight years after its predecessor, Indian 2 promises audiences enhanced cinematography, makeup and acting techniques assured lead star Kamal Haasan.
The 69-year-old said the Kamal in Indian 2 will stand distinct from the original. Along with Indian 2 co-stars Siddharth and S.J. Suryah, Kamal was in Singapore for a promotional fans’ meet at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre on June 26.
Addressing the press at The Ritz-Carlton earlier, Kamal commented on the pressure mounted on Indian 2 given the cult status achieved by its blockbuster forerunner. “The critique by a deserving audience is something which we look forward to, but with a lot of nervousness and commitment,” he said.
Kamal acknowledged that he is celebrated for his innovative choices of roles and techniques, and declared his obligation to uphold the industry’s pride.
Despite the long wait, the film’s concept is unperishable and will only grow fresher, he said.
Kamal will resume the role of Senapathy in the sequel, an Indian freedom fighter who battles the corruption plaguing Indian states beyond Tamil Nadu. The original 1996 film, directed by S. Shankar, earned Kamal a National Film Award. Announced in 2017, Indian 2’s filming was set back by the pandemic.
Co-star Siddharth described Indian 2 as a David v Goliath narrative, a socio-political commentary meaning to stir a sense of righteous anger among youth. He added that he hopes youth can meaningfully channel their anger into society.
“Indian 2 is like an anti-virus update. We don’t question installing it again on our computers after 10 years. We have to, to combat the evolving virus of corruption,” he explained. Siddharth takes on a David-esque role in the film, with Suryah making an extended cameo as a villain.
To a thrilled 1,200 crowd at the fans’ meet, Kamal expressed gratitude for their enthusiasm and sought support for the third instalment of Indian which is speculated to release next year. He also thanked the Singapore artistes who did tribute performances.
Among the crowd was 69-year-old Panjavarnam Jeyaraman, an eager mother and grandmother who had used Kamal’s didactic films to teach moral norms to her children. “Senapathy is not just a film character, he is a social icon,” she professed.
While the trailer and music of Indian 2 have garnered mixed reviews from netizens, polytechnic student Agnes Diva, 18, believes that Anirudh’s “vibey” music underscores the film’s contemporary and modern appeal.
Technician Sundar, 33, recounted how transfixed he was as a youth watching Indian in theatres. He noted that the action-packed trailer only promises Shankar’s signature larger-than-life filmmaking. He and his three friends, who attended the fan meet, were thankful to see their idol in real life.
Ms K. Sabrina’s family tradition is to catch every Kamal film in a theatre on release day. The 22-year-old undergraduate hopes that Indian 2 uses its power to highlight the most pertinent social issues that youth should turn their attention to.
Finalised within five days, the event took much coordination and planning, commented S. S. Vikneshwaran, executive producer of Cosmic Ultima Pictures. Co-organiser J.K. Saravana, founder of Tantra Inc, emphasised the organisers’ commitment to showcasing local artistes at the event and noted Kamal’s admiration for their performances.
