Padmashri ‘Ulaga Nayagan’ Kamal Haasan left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his iconic film ‘Vikram’, which completes 38 years since its release. Directed by Rajasekar and featuring music by the Maestro Ilaiyaraja, ‘Vikram’ was a James Bond-inspired espionage movie that captivated audiences in 1986.
Here are some fascinating details about this cinematic gem:
- Star-Studded Cast: ‘Vikram’ boasted an ensemble cast, including Sathyaraj, Amjad Khan (of ‘Sholay’ fame), Ambika, Lissy, Dimple Kapadia, Charuhasan, and Janagaraj. The film marked the Tamil debut for Lissy and Dimple Kapadia, adding to its allure.
- Innovative Language: Set in the fictional country of Salamia, ‘Vikram’ featured a made-up language. The haunting song ‘En Jodi Manjakuruvi’, sung by Amjad Khan, resonated with audiences and added an exotic touch to the film.
- Ilaiyaraja’s Technological Feat: ‘Vikram’ holds the distinction of being the first movie to be recorded on a computer by the legendary composer Ilaiyaraja. His music, including chartbusters like ‘Vikram Vikram’ and ‘Vanithamani’, remains timeless even today.
- Critical Reception: While the film received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success at the box office. Fans continue to cherish the songs and Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of the title character.
- 2022 Successor: In 2022, a successor to ‘Vikram’ with the same name was released. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and featuring music by Anirudh Ravichander, this version saw Kamal Haasan reprising his iconic role. The digitally enhanced trailer commemorating 38 years of ‘Vikram’ hints at a re-release, promising a fresh cinematic experience for both theaters and OTT platforms.
“Vikram,” the espionage thriller starring Kamal Haasan, is remembered for several memorable scenes that have become iconic in Tamil cinema. The film opens with a stylish introduction of Kamal Haasan’s character, setting the tone for the action and intrigue that follows. One of the most talked-about elements of ‘Vikram’ is the fictional language spoken in the country of Salamia. The song ‘En Jodi Manjakuruvi’ features this unique language, adding an exotic flair to the film. The fact that ‘Vikram’ was the first movie to have its music recorded on a computer by Ilaiyaraja is a significant moment in the film’s history. This technological leap is celebrated in the scenes where the songs ‘Vikram Vikram’, ‘Vanithamani’, and ‘En Jodi Manjakuruvi’ play, showcasing the blend of traditional and modern elements. The film is known for its action-packed sequences, which were quite advanced for its time and contributed to the movie’s lasting appeal. The climax of the film, which ties together the various plot threads, is a standout moment that has been etched in the memories of the audience. These scenes, among others, have contributed to the enduring legacy of ‘Vikram’ and continue to be celebrated by fans, especially with the recent digitally enhanced trailer that commemorates the film’s 38th anniversary.
Ilaiyaraja’s music in ‘Vikram’ is celebrated for its innovation and lasting appeal. ‘Vikram’ was the first Indian film to have its soundtrack recorded on a computer, marking a significant technological advancement in the Indian music industry at the time. The music of ‘Vikram’ is noted for its electro-synth pop sound, a genre that Ilaiyaraja pioneered in Indian cinema during the mid-1980s. This style combined electronic funk and synthesizer pop with Indian classical and folk music forms, creating a unique and modern soundscape. The film features several hit songs that remain popular to this day. The title track “Vikram Vikram”, “Vanithamani”, and “En Jodi Manjakuruvi” are particularly beloved by fans for their catchy tunes and innovative use of electronic music elements. Ilaiyaraja’s music in ‘Vikram’ not only set a new trend in Tamil cinema but also influenced the broader soundscape of Indian film music, showcasing the composer’s ability to blend traditional Indian music with contemporary global trends. The music of ‘Vikram’ stands as a testament to Ilaiyaraja’s genius and his role in ushering in a new era of digital music production in India.
When ‘Vikram’ was first released in 1986, the audience reaction was mixed, but it carried a significant impact. The film was considered ahead of its time for its use of advanced technology and storytelling techniques. It was the first Tamil film to use Steadicam, just a few years after its introduction in Hollywood, which added a new dimension to the cinematic experience. There was considerable hype surrounding the release, partly due to the serialization of the story in the popular Tamil magazine Kumudam. This pre-release strategy effectively built up audience expectations. Despite the mixed critical reception, ‘Vikram’ was a commercial success at the box office. The innovative approach and the star power of Kamal Haasan contributed to its popularity among the masses. The film’s music, composed by Ilaiyaraja, was particularly well-received, with songs like ‘Vikram Vikram’, ‘Vanithamani’, and ‘En Jodi Manjakuruvi’ becoming chartbusters that are still remembered fondly today. The audience’s initial reaction to ‘Vikram’ reflects the film’s lasting legacy as a pioneering work in Tamil cinema, which continues to be celebrated decades later.
The film industry celebrated the 38th anniversary of Kamal Haasan’s ‘Vikram’ with much fanfare and appreciation. The makers of ‘Vikram’ shared a special video on social media, featuring intense action sequences and highlighting Sathyaraj’s powerful villain role. This engaging video served as a tribute to the film’s legacy and its influence on spy thrillers in the industry. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who helmed the 2022 successor of ‘Vikram’, penned an emotional note about the film’s success and the overwhelming acceptance it received. Kamal Haasan responded to this with valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of hard work and the support of Raaj Kamal Films International. Overall, the industry’s reaction was one of nostalgia, respect, and celebration for a film that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.