A Riveting Blend of Love, Action, and Patriotism: Amaran Movie Review
When a video featuring actor Sivakarthikeyan's workouts and heavily built-up physique was out early this year, many wondered what he was up to. The sculpted, athletic look and the well-defined 'back pose' he struck in the video were also circulated widely on social media. Though it was known that he was working for director Rajkumar Periasamy's film based on the life story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, not many were aware that Sivakarthikeyan or SK, who plays the late army officer in the film, had never weight- or strength-trained before taking up this project.
Sivakarthikeyan's Transformation for Amaran
From 'only cardio' to all-things-Army, Sivakarthikeyan underwent a remarkable transformation to embody the role of Major Mukund Varadarajan. While his co-star, Sai Pallavi, had to work hard to emote its Tamil-speaking Malayali heroine, Sivakarthikeyan had to put in some major effort in the gym to look the part. Interestingly, he weighs differently at each of the story stretches! The sequences in which he is training for the military have him at around 72 kg, around 75 kg for the Captain's portions and almost 80 kg for the part in which he plays the Major in the army. In various videos released by the 'Amaran' team, the audience also sees his 100-day transformation to become Mukund.
A Dedicated Workout Regimen
According to his trainer Sandeep, Sivakarthikeyan didn't look the part when they started working out for this film. On the first day of their training, when Sandeep went to the actor's place to click pictures to track the changes, even the film's director, Rajkumar, was apparently doubtful about how far a transformation was possible.
In an interview with an online portal, Sandeep says, "SK was mostly into cardio and sports before for exercise and had never done strength or weight training in his life. We started in July 2023 to prepare for this film. He followed a disciplined regimen and said no to biryani and ice cream. There were many injuries and painful days, too. At times, I used to ask him to sleep rather than train, as he was putting in a lot of effort." After SK started working out for the film, Sandeep revealed that it had become a part of his daily routine.
A Tribute to a Braveheart
'Amaran' released in theatres to rave reviews on Thursday with many social media users dubbing it a rare “technically perfect” movie. The film showcases Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role as Major Mukund Varadarajan, telling the story of the life of the decorated soldier who led the Indian Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles Cheetah Company and his noble sacrifice.
A Film That Touches Hearts
“It's great to bring true stories to today's youth in the form of books - as well as movies! Director Rajkumar Periasamy has emotionally captured the bravery and dedication of Tamil Nadu army veteran Major Mukund Varadarajan. Big salute to our soldiers who protect the country and Major Mukund Varadarajan who lives in our memory!” he wrote in Tamil.
The CM said he had watched the movie on Wednesday following an invitation from actor-politician Kamal Haasan. He also congratulated Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi for their well-executed portrayals. Many on social media have echoed Statin — dubbing the film “an absolute stunner”.
A Moving Narrative
Amaran is based on real-life events and tells the heartwarming and inspiring story of Major Mukund Varadharajan and his wife Indhu. The film was directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and produced by Kamal Haasan, alongside R. Mahendran and Sony Pictures International Productions.
The Heart of Amaran
Amaran review: Working on a biopic is tough, but working on the biopic of an Indian army major who died in action to save his own is much tougher. Director Rajkumar Periasamy took on the challenge of bringing to the big screen the life of Ashoka Chakra recipient Major Mukund Varadarajan, who died in an encounter with terrorists in Shopian, Kashmir. The filmmaker read about him in ‘India’s Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military’ (Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh). Any film that features the Indian army and is centred around an army person always brings patriotism to the fore and plenty of goosebumps. Amaran is no different. Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi lead splendidly as Major Mukund and his wife Indhu Rebecca Varghese, respectively, in this charged emotional action drama.
A Compelling Story of Love and Sacrifice
Mukund Varadarajan was named after Lord Krishna by his father when he was born, but little did his parents know that their son would actually go to the battlefield with his men. While Mukund’s mother is paranoid about him joining the army, his father tells him to pursue his passion. While he’s doing his bachelor's in Chennai and preparing for the SSC, he meets collegemate Indhu Rebecca Varghese, and romance ensues. Her Malayali parents are against her marrying someone from the army and shun all talk of it, while Mukund’s parents treat her like a daughter and look after her when Mukund receives his first posting.
After four years of courtship, Indhu’s parents agree to their marriage, and the couple happily embarks on a life together. However, it is not all hunky dory, given that Mukund’s postings take him around India and the world to highly-sensitive locations. It is when Mukund joins as head of the Rashtriya Rifles in Kashmir that his purpose in life becomes more defined, and we see numerous tense encounters and missions that he and his team engage in.
A Film That Stays With You
In the first half, the director takes us through Mukund and Indhu’s initial romantic days, and him joining the army, while the second half gets extremely emotional given what eventually happens. When director Rajkumar roped in Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi for the lead roles, half the battle was won as these two fine performers truly bring to life Mukund and Indhu on screen. The wonderful chemistry between them comes to the fore in highly nuanced scenes, whether playful and romantic or serious and emotional. The acting is very natural for both Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi. However, one can also see the efforts Sivakarthikeyan has put into his physical transformation to look like the part of any armyman.
A Tribute to the Brave
Rajkumar's screenplay highlights the extensive emotional dilemmas and sacrifices that those serving in the army and their families go through. Though the director has included several missions and encounters in the film, one often feels that he could have perhaps focused more on the eight years of Major Mukund’s army life and woven the emotional thread into this. This is probably because the film's pacing is slow, and the director takes his own time to set up the story. The point is when Major Mukund assumes the role of a fearless army leader but also as a hero, arriving a bit late. At no point does Rajkumar get jingoistic, and that’s a plus – he has kept the story grounded, and the free-flowing emotions hit you throughout the film.
A Technical Masterpiece
The other cast members like Rahul Bose, Bhuvan Arora, Geetha Kailasam, Lallu, Shreekumar and others make a mark in their small but important roles. Technically, the movie is top-notch – the BGM and songs by GV Prakash add a lot of depth to this emotional film. At the same time, the cinematography by Ch Sai (be it the scenes in Chennai or Kashmir) and editing by R Kalaivanan seem flawless. The action sequences by AnbAriv and Stefan Ritcher are well crafted, and one can feel the realism in these scenes.
A Film That Will Stay With You
Amaran is a wonderful tribute to those serving in the army and their families and is a stark reminder that our freedom exists because of their sacrifices. One walks away from Amaran with a heavy heart for those who lost loved ones on the battlefield and yet, happy that their legacy will never go unknown and be immortalized on the silver screen thanks to directors like Rajkumar.
A Must-Watch
Films with a military background, most times, evoke strong feelings in one’s heart. Not just that, it’s a constant reminder that the army men are toiling in difficult terrain just to keep everyone safe. And when Amaran, a biopic on the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, was announced, it piqued everyone’s interest. The expectations rose sky-high when Sivakarthikeyan, who has so far done boy-next-door roles, was roped in to headline the film. For the unversed, Amaran is an adaptation of the book series, India’s Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh.
The Love Story
Mukund Varadarajan (Sivakarthikeyan) has his goals set right from fifth standard. A field trip to the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai sowed the seeds of joining the military in him. Years later, while pursuing his graduation at Madras Christian College, he meets his ladylove Indhu Rebecca Varghese (Sai Pallavi). They fall head over heels in love with each other. For Indhu, she has to love Mukund and his passion as well.
A Story of Sacrifice
When Mukund’s duty takes him across the country, she has no choice but to hold the fort for him at home. While he fights a national war, she fights the war with herself. As Mukund gets promoted as Major, he heads the 44th Rashtriya Rifles. He takes on counterterrorism duties in Kashmir and drafts plans to eliminate the heads of a terrorist organisation in Kashmir.
A Film That Will Stay With You
Director Rajkumar Periasamy is in full control as the writer and director of Amaran. Though the film’s ending is already known to most people, his screenplay holds everyone’s attention. Most credit goes to the solid emotional sequences featuring Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi. With their effortless performance, they make the audience fall in love with them and cry with them. It is refreshing to see the fresh pairing of Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, and they shoulder the film with ease. Amaran’s emotional sequences overpower the war sequences, and it could be because everyone knows how the story ends. Nonetheless, the war sequences are done with precision and keep us on the edge of our seats.
A Story of Strength
Amaran is also a film that highlights the struggles that the families of our army men go through. They fear the worst news and yet lead their lives with a smile on their faces. The first half of Amaran delves deep into the love story of Mukund and Indhu, and it puts a smile on your face. The slow buildup reaches a crescendo at the interval when Mukund neutralises an important terrorist. This sets the tone for the pulsating second half that focuses on the repercussions of the Rashtriya Rifles’s action.
A Film That Will Stay With You
The film does not glorify heroism and downplays it for the most part. When controversial topics about Kashmir are spoken about, Rajkumar Periasamy treats them with the utmost dignity and clever writing.
A Must-Watch
Sivakarthikeyan as Major Mukund Varadarajan showcases a never-seen-before side in Amaran. His demeanour and body language suits the role he took up and does full justice to it. Sai Pallavi as Indhu feels like a warm hug on a cold rainy day. Whenever she appears on-screen, you can’t help but feel the emotion as she goes through them. Bhuvan Arora, who plays the role of Sepoy Vikram Singh, is yet another beautiful addition to the cast of Amaran. Rahul Bose, Geetha Kailasam, Lallu, Shreekumar and several others have ably supported the main cast.
A Technical Masterpiece
Amaran is strong on the technical front as well. Composer GV Prakash’s music and background score does the perfect job of elevating the mood of the film. Cinematographer CH Sai wonderfully captured the topography of Kashmir and the battle sequences need special mention.
A Film That Will Stay With You
Amaran is a beautiful, emotional and intriguing ode to Major Mukund Varadarajan and army men like him. Watch out for the emotional sequences throughout the film.
