Ever since the release of the single — ‘Aalaporan Tamizhan’ from Mersal — speculations were rife about Vijay entering politics. But on the night of Mersal’s audio launch, Ilayathalapathy steered clear of making any political statements. A message for his fans, a few pleasing-the-crowd statements and with a kutty kadhai, Vijay concluded his speech.
At the launch, Vijay said, “Many ask me how do I deal with the negativity around me? I tell them that ‘I just ignore it’. Negative people will get tired of their failed attempts. You cannot be reacting to unnecessary things in life. If everybody likes you, your life will be boring. Only if somebody hates you, life will be interesting. So, you have to cross all hurdles to survive here.”
Addressing his fans as ‘Nanba’, Vijay said, “You have given me hits, flops and blockbusters, but the biggest thing I have earned is fans like you. Just keep one thing in mind. Determination when you have nothing and the attitude when you have everything.”
About Mersal, he said, “Mersal merattala irukkum (the film will be fantastic).”
Mersal unveiled
While everything about the film has been kept under the wraps so far, some nuggets of information were revealed at the star-studded audio launch:
“Vijay plays triple roles in the film. One role in particular – the Madurai Mannin Mainthan one – will rock.”
SJ Suryah
“The three different characters of Vijay will have different action sequences.”
Anal Arasu, Stunt Director
“Apart from the Europe portions, 70 per cent of the film was shot in the sets. As Vijay plays a magician in the film, a set was created resembling a magician’s workshop. I think it will be appreciated.”
Muthuraj, Art Director
“The film will be like revisiting our own forgotten roots. There is a social message too in this commercial entertainer. Also, Vadivelu will be seen in an emotional comic character.”
Atlee
Highlights of the launch
AR Rahman’s live performance was the showstopper for the evening. Vijay said, “I have never watched Rahman Sir performing live. He performing songs from my film is an honour to me.”
Rahman and his team performed ‘Aalaporan Tamizhan’, ‘Mersal Arasan’ and ‘Macho’. After the performance, Rahman said, “I have to keep entertaining my new fans and that is really a challenge for me. All of us have to stay true to the words ‘Aalaporan Tamizhan’. We have to excel in each and every field. We have to show our character in treating women well. Also, I’m working with lyricist Vivek for the first time, he was very quick in penning down the lyrics.”
A group of young dancers grooved to the songs from Vijay’s films. One of Vijay’s ardent fans, Dongli David, who dished out trivia on Vijay and his films. Vaishnav Girish, the 15-year-old singer, performed Rahman’s songs.
Who said what?
“If given an opportunity, I want to work with all three Vijays in a triple action film. The audience will see an original Pallavaram Samantha in this film.”
Samantha
“Samantha and I worked in many films together. I had no qualms in taking up this film, which has three female leads. It has been an amazing opportunity to work with Vijay for three films. He is one of the best co-stars and he is a magician not only in the film but also off-screen.”
Kajal Aggarwal
“I had sleepless nights while penning the script of Mersal as I have to live up to the expectations of Theri.”
Atlee
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“Vijay was the inspiration for me to write Sanghamitra a decade ago. I have always wanted to work with him. I have written the script for most of my films by keeping Vijay in mind. Didn’t get a chance to work with him until now.”
Sundar C
“I have come here as a good friend of Vijay. I admire the silence in Vijay and it inspires me. I have been following the work of Atlee and he looks promising. Cannot wait to watch the first day first show of Mersal.”
Dhanush
While the members of the audience were hankering for Mersal’s teaser, Atlee said that it will be out in a couple of weeks.