Vidaamuyarchi (also marketed as Vidaamuyarchi: Perseverance Triumphs)[b] is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Magizh Thirumeni. It is produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions. The film stars Ajith Kumar, leading an ensemble cast which includes Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Arav and Regina Cassandra.
Vidaamuyarchi | |
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![]() Second look poster | |
Directed by | Magizh Thirumeni |
Written by | Magizh Thirumeni |
Produced by | Subaskaran Allirajah |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Om Prakash[a] |
Edited by | N. B. Srikanth |
Music by | Anirudh Ravichander |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Red Giant Movies |
Release date | 31 October 2024 |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
Initially, Vignesh Shivan was confirmed as director for Ajith's 62nd film. However, he was subsequently replaced with Thirumeni. The film was announced in May 2023, in addition to the official title. Principal photography commenced in October 2023 and is currently being predominantly shot in Azerbaijan. The film has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, while the cinematography is handled by Om Prakash,[a] and editing by N. B. Srikanth.
Cast
edit- Ajith Kumar
- Arjun Sarja
- Trisha Krishnan
- Regina Cassandra
- Arav
- Nikhil Nair[3]
- Ganesh Saravanan
- Dasarathi
Production
editDevelopment
editAfter the success of Valimai in early 2022, it was reported that Ajith Kumar would collaborate with Vignesh Shivan for the actor's 62nd film as a leading actor. Nayanthara would reportedly reunite with Ajith after she was previously paired opposite the latter in Viswasam (2019).[4] Tentatively titled AK62, the production was reported to begin after the actor completes Thunivu (2023).[5][6] That March, Vignesh confirmed the project, also revealing the inclusion of Anirudh Ravichander.[7] The project was funded by Subaskaran Allirajah's Lyca Productions, which distributed Vignesh's Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015).[8] The company made an public announcement on 19 March 2022, confirming the project.[9] However, the following January, Vignesh was reported to be replaced.[10] Reports claimed it was due to Ajith not being impressed with the script after the director had developed it during the pre-production for six months.[11]
Numerous directors, including AR Murugadoss, Atlee and Magizh Thirumeni, were reported to have been in consideration of replacing Vignesh, with Thirumeni being the front-runner.[12] In February 2023, it was reported that Thirumeni had flew to London, where Ajith was at that time, and narrated a script which impressed the actor.[13] On 1 May, coinciding with Ajith's birthday and May Day, the production house officially announced Thirumeni as the replacement of Vignesh. Anirudh was chosen to score the music, in his first film with the director, while editor N. B. Srikanth and cinematographer Nirav Shah were retained by the director.[14][15] The film's official title Vidaamuyarchi was revealed the same day. Art director Milan died during the film's preliminary shooting.[16]
Casting
editAjith would sport an all-white hairstyle for his character, rather than his usual salt-and-pepper shaded look.[17][18] Trisha was cast as the female lead,[19] pairing opposite Ajith for the fifth time after Ji (2005), Kireedam (2007), Mankatha (2011) and Yennai Arindhaal (2015).[20][21] Arav was confirmed to play one of the main antagonists, in his first collaboration with Ajith and second with Thirumeni after Kalaga Thalaivan (2022).[22] Arav had reportedly replaced Arjun Das, who was unable to allocate dates for the film.[23] Regina Cassandra joined the film in an important role,[24] whilst Arjun Sarja was also cast in an important role.[25] He would be reuniting with Ajith after Mankatha.[26]
Filming
editPrincipal photography began with the first schedule on 4 October 2023 in Azerbaijan.[27] Initially, filming was intended to begin in the first week of September 2023, but was delayed due to Ajith's commitments to his world tour.[28] The makers' decision to shoot in Azerbaijan received negative responses from netizens as the country was then under civil unrest, particularly regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.[29] Following Milan's death in October due to a heart attack, later that month Ajith urged to set up a medical camp in case of any similar emergencies.[30] In early November, it was reported that the schedule had been completed. A sequence reportedly featured Ajith in a racy car action sequence, in which he did not use any stunt double for.[31]
In early December, the team returned to Chennai due to the undisputed war and border issues at the country,[32] and returned on 11 December.[33] Nirav Shah was replaced with Om Prakash due to the former not being able to allocate dates to travel to Azerbaijan.[34] Arjun joined the film's sets in mid-December.[35] Trisha completed filming her portions for the film schedule by 19 December, returning to Chennai on that day.[36] The schedule concluded by 29 January 2024.[37] On 20 June, the team returned to Azerbaijan. The final schedule was shot in Azerbaijan and the climax portions in Baku. The schedule would reportedly be going for 35–45 days.[38] Ajith, along with Trisha and Arjun, joined the concurrent schedule for some important sequences.[39] According to the head of Lyca Productions, GKM Tamil Kumaran, the principal photography is scheduled to be wrapped by mid-August.[40]
Music
editThe music and background score is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, in his third collaboration with Ajith after Vedalam (2015), Vivegam (2017); first with Thirumeni.[41] Later, it was revealed that the audio rights were acquired by Sony Music India through the film's poster on Netflix India's post via X.[42]
Marketing
editThe film's teaser poster was released on 1 May 2023, the occasion of Ajith's 52nd birthday, revealing the film's title.[43] The first look poster, which was released on 30 June 2024 received generally negative reactions from fans, with some claiming that the fan made posters were better than the official.[44]
Release
editDistribution
editRed Giant Movies acquired the distribution rights of the film in Tamil Nadu.[45]
Home media
editThe post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by Netflix and the satellite rights by Sun TV.[46]
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Vidaa Muyarchi shoot resumes in Azerbaijan". Cinema Express. 24 June 2024. Archived from the original on 24 June 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Vidaa Muyarchi: New Still Feat. Ajith, Aarav! Change In Cinematographer?". MovieCrow. 13 December 2023. Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Ajith Kumar's Vidaa Muyarchi First Look Revealed; Shooting To Be Wrapped up by mid-August". Times Now. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Ajith Kumar's AK62 to be directed by Vignesh Shivan? Announcement to follow soon". India Today. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Ajith-Nayanthara-Vignesh Shivan, 'AK 62' reports stir up expectations". The Times of India. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "AK 62: Ajith, Vignesh Shivan film gears up official announcement!". MovieCrow. 16 March 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "#AK62: Ajith teams up with Vignesh Shivan and Anirudh". The Times of India. 16 March 2022. Archived from the original on 4 February 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "AK 62: Ajith Kumar to collaborate with director Vignesh Shivan, film to release in 2023". The Indian Express. 18 March 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Vignesh Shivan to direct Ajith's next film". The New Indian Express. ANI. 19 March 2022. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Ajith's film with Vignesh Shivan on hold; #AK62 to get new director". The Times of India. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 9 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Magizh Thirumeni replaces Vignesh Shivan as a director for 'Ajith 62'". The Times of India. 29 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Will Magizh Thirumeni Direct Ajith Kumar's Ak62? What We Know". News18. 2 February 2023. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "AK62: Magizh Thirumeni travels to UK for final narration of the script". Only Kollywood. 6 February 2023. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "It's official: Ajith to team up with Magizh Thirumeni for 'Vidaamuyarchi'". The Times of India. 1 May 2023. Archived from the original on 14 May 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ Darshan, Navein (1 May 2023). "Ajith-Magizh Thirumeni's AK62 is 'Vidaamuyarchi'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Art director of Ajith Kumar's Vidaamuyarchi, Milan, passed away during shoot in Azerbaijan". The Times of India. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Has Ajith reduced kilos for 'Vidaamuyarchi'? fans speculate". The Times of India. 6 December 2023. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ "Ajith's look from 'Vidaamuyarchi' is out!". The Times of India. 13 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ Subramanian, Anupama (8 September 2023). "Trisha Cast Opposite Ajith". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Vidaa Muyarchi: Trisha on board for Ajith's next with Magizh Thirumeni". OTTPlay. 12 September 2023. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Vidaa Muyarchi: Trisha, the frontrunner for Ajith's next with Magizh Thirumeni?". OTTPlay. 28 May 2023. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "'Bigg Boss Tamil' winner becomes Ajith Kumar's villain in 'Vidaamuyarchi'". IndiaGlitz.com. 20 September 2023. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Arav and Huma Qureshi in Ajith Kumar's 'Vidaamuyarchi'?". The Times of India. 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "'Vidaa Muyarchi': Regina Cassandra joins Ajith Kumar-Trisha starrer". India Today. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Vidaa Muyarchi: Arjun Sarja drops key update about Ajith-starrer | Watch". Desimartini. 16 June 2024. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Arjun and Arjun Das in Ajith's Vidaamuyarchi?". The Times of India. 7 August 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Videos: Ajith Kumar jets off to Azerbaijan to commence 'Vidaa Muyarchi' shoot". India Today. 3 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
- ^ "Ajith's Vidaamuyarchi shooting to begin in September". The Times of India. 8 August 2023. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
- ^ "Ajith's VidaaMuyarchi Invites Controversy! Netizens Are Slamming The Makers For This Reason!". Times Now. 4 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- ^ "Ajith urges 'Vidaamuyarchi' makers to arrange a medical camp for the team in Azerbaijan following art director Milan's death". The Times of India. 30 October 2023. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ "Ajith completes filming a racy car action sequence for 'Vidaamuyarchi'". The Times of India. 10 November 2023. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
- ^ "Ajith's 'Vidaa Muyarchi' next intense shoot to start on December 7". The Times of India. 4 December 2023. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Ajith & Trisha resume shooting for Vidaamuyarchi". The Times of India. 11 December 2023. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Om Prakash replaces Nirav Shah as the cinematographer of Ajith's 'Vidaamuyarchi'". The Times of India. 12 December 2023. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ "Arjun joins the sets of 'Vidaamuyarchi' in Azerbaijan, character look out". The Times of India. 13 December 2023. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ "Trisha back in Chennai after 'Vidaamuyarchi' shooting in Azerbaijan". The Times of India. 19 December 2023. Archived from the original on 8 February 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ Lyca Productions [@LycaProductions] (29 January 2024). "Done with the AZERBAIJAN 🇦🇿 schedule! The VIDAA MUYARCHI team has wrapped up & is gearing up for a new adventure at a new location. 📍🌏" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 January 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Ajith reaches Azerbaijan; 'Vidaamuyarchi' final schedule begins today". The Times of India. 21 June 2024. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Ajith & Arav resume risky stunt sequences for 'Vidaa Muyarchi'". The Times of India. 25 June 2024. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "'Vidaamuyarchi' first look: Ajith Kumar gets the show on the road". The Hindu. 1 July 2024. Archived from the original on 9 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ Rajaraman, Kaushik (21 February 2023). "Anirudh, Nirav Shah join Magizh Thirumeni for Ajith's AK62". DT Next. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
- ^ Netflix [@Netflix_INSouth] (17 January 2024). "You know it's going to be electrifying when it comes to AK ⚡#VidaaMuyarchi is coming soon on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada after theatrical release!" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 January 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "'VidaaMuyarchi': Ajith Kumar's 'AK62' title unveiled on his 52nd birthday". The Hindu. 30 April 2023. Archived from the original on 1 July 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ "Extreme Negativity On First Poster". M9.news. 1 July 2024. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "4 Biggies in Just 20 Days in Kollywood?". M9.news. 18 July 2024. Archived from the original on 22 July 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ Sharma, Bhavana (3 January 2024). "Thala Ajith's VidaaMuyarchi Fetches Record Deal". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 6 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.