‘I’ podu for Vikram, Shankar

The audio launch of the Tamil film I was truly a starry affair

September 16, 2014 07:12 pm | Updated November 17, 2021 12:03 pm IST - Chennai

Vikram at the audio launch function of I.

Vikram at the audio launch function of I.

How would you describe an evening that saw Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rajinikanth and A. R. Rahman share stage?

On Monday evening, all roads led to the Nehru Stadium for the grand audio launch of the Tamil film I . With a galaxy of stars present on the occasion, local and international, it was an evening that was high on entertainment.

Foot-tapping music, catchy songs, inspiring speeches… though the event started late, the fun went on late into the night. Chennai’s film-crazy crowd couldn’t ask for more. Said director Shankar: “This has turned out so big. I thank Arnold for coming over. I was keen on Rajinikanth attending the event, but he was busy with Lingaa . He told me that he’d like to come as my nanban (friend). It shows his humility.”

The evening also saw music maestro A. R. Rahman and a group of singers present songs from the film. The loudest applause was reserved for actor Vikram, who entered the venue in the ‘beast get-up’ that’s part of a song in the movie. Rajinikanth too was all-praise for Vikram. “I don’t know much about Hollywood but I don’t think anybody in the world has taken as much pain as Vikram has for a character. His dedication on-screen is amazing,” he said.

It might have been an audio launch, but the entertainment did not stop there. A special act that saw several local bodybuilders show off their chiselled bodies had Arnold in awe. So much so, the Hollywood superstar went on stage to pose for a picture with them. “It’s wonderful that Shankar has given these guys a chance in his film,” he said, adding wistfully, “But what about me?”

Hosted by actor Bobby Simha and singer Chinmayi, the evening also saw some sizzling musical performances, ramp-walk acts and a special ‘bubble act’ by Anna Yang.

‘I’ TRIVIA

* Produced by Aascar Ravichandran, the film starring Vikram and Amy Jackson is a romantic thriller, directed by Shankar.

* Vikram plays Lingesan, a bodybuilder who wants to become Mr Tamil Nadu.

* Most of the film has been shot in never-seen-before locations in China.

* The actor’s curls in the film have been inspired by a Schwarzenegger’s look.

* Vikram has lost 20 kilos to play one of the roles.

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