The film was officially announced in September 2020 under the tentative title Kamal Haasan 232, as it is the actor's 232nd film as the lead actor, and the official title was announced in November 2020.
Principal photography commenced in July 2021. It was shot sporadically in several legs, with filming locations including
Karaikudi,
Chennai,
Pondicherry,
Coimbatore, and
wrapped by late-February 2022. The music was composed by
Anirudh Ravichander, while cinematography and editing were handled by
Girish Gangadharan and
Philomin Raj.
Amar, the head of a
black-ops squad is summoned by
Police commissioner Jose to bring justice to a group of masked vigilantes for the murder of Stephen Raj, who was killed following his arrest [a] and subsequent release after being imprisoned for aiding Adaikalam and Anbu in the murder of ACP Prabhanjan and his foster father, Karnan. Amar leads the investigation by digging into Karnan's life, as he finds the murder out of place since Karnan was an ordinary man while the other two were high-ranking
NCB officials.
Amar learns of Karnan's recent addiction to alcohol, drugs and prostitutes, while concurrently being overprotective of his infant foster grandson. Whilst investigating, Amar learns of two missing shipping containers of drugs being hunted by Sandhanam, who runs a much bigger syndicate than Adaikalam, named Vetti Vagaiyara. The other two containers were supposed to have been delivered to his cold-blooded smuggler boss, Rolex. The latter had promised to help Sandhanam form his own government if the drugs were delivered; if not Sandhanam and his family would be killed. Amar slowly figures out that all of Karnan's addictions were a ruse to cover up a covert operation he had been running.
Meanwhile, Veerapandian, a
Public Works Department (PWD) officer, and a contractor named Rudra Prathap plan to take the drug containers to Sandhanam but the masked vigilantes arrive and kill Veerapandian at a theatre. Amar and his team capture Bejoy, one of the vigilantes. Bejoy reveals his family were killed for his role in leading a drugs bust at
Trichy,[a] leading him to join the vigilantes. Amar and his team realise Rudra Prathap is the vigilantes' next target, and they sneak into Rudra Prathap's daughter's wedding ceremony. Rudra Prathap invites Sandhanam for protection. The masked men and their leader arrive at the wedding and threaten him. The leader drags Rudra Prathap and escapes on a bike, leaving the other members to deal with Sandhanam, who defeats them.
Amar chases and catches the vigilantes' leader, who is revealed to be Karnan, who had faked his own death. Karnan kills Rudra Prathap by slitting his throat and escapes the police. Amar tells Jose Karnan is actually Vikram, the former commander of the black ops squad's pilot batch of 1986. After a botched mission, the government hunted and killed all of the squad members and their families; only Vikram and three other team members survived. Amar also theorises Jose is Sandhanam's mole in the department and was involved in Prabhanjan's death. Amar organises a bomb blast at Sandhanam's bungalow that destroys it and a drug lab. Jose hears of the bombing and informs Sandhanam. Everyone except Sandhanam's brother Elango is evacuated from the blast site in time. Jose tells Sandhanam about Vikram's and Amar's identities.
Vikram arrives at the prison, and frees Bejoy and his team. Vikram says the reason for his actions is not vengeance over Prabhanjan's death but a mission to bust the drug syndicate in the city. Vikram also says Prabhanjan is his own biological son and that Prabhanjan was aware of Vikram's true identity. Sandhanam kills Amar's wife Gayathri, and sends his men to kill Vikram's daughter-in-law and grandson at Prabhanjan's house. Vikram rushes to save them but Agent Tina, a member of Vikram's black ops squad who was disguised as the house help Valiamma, kills the gang at the cost of her life. A vengeful Amar kills Jose. Vikram and his grandson reach
Chennai Port, where the hidden containers are stored. Sandhanam learns about the containers' location and attacks Vikram. Vikram mows down Sandhanam's men with a cannon and an
M2 Browning but the remaining members of his black ops squad, Agents Uppiliappan and Lawrence, die in the scuffle. After a fistfight with Sandhanam, Vikram triggers a huge blast at the port that kills Sandhanam and destroys the drug containers.
In an epilogue, Adaikalam and Anbu arrive with their men at
Sassoon Docks,
Mumbai, and meet with the gangsters affiliated with Sandhanam for a meeting with Rolex. Adaikalam and Anbu explain Dilli's involvement in the Trichy drug ambush,[a] and Sandhanam's men reveal Vikram's and Amar's involvement in the destruction of their drug syndicate. Meanwhile, after Gayathri's funeral in
Ernakulam, Amar joins Vikram's gang to continue building a drug-free society. Anbu informs Rolex that Dilli is hiding somewhere in
Uttar Pradesh while Sandhanam's men tell him Vikram's family are abroad (shown to be San Francisco, California). Rolex announces a massive bounty for the execution of Amar, Dilli, and Vikram's team. Unknown to everyone else, Vikram is present at the meeting and walks away with determination after learning about the bounty placed on all of them.
Cast
Kamal Haasan as Commander Arun Kumar Vikram/Karnan
Kamal Haasan's production house
Raaj Kamal Films International signed
Lokesh Kanagaraj to direct a film for the studio during November 2019. Lokesh had previously mentioned his admiration of Haasan's work, noting the actor's films Sathyaa (1988) and Virumaandi (2004) had influenced him to become a film director.[10] Despite agreeing terms, Lokesh and the studio opted to prioritise other films before beginning production work.[11][12] Lokesh narrated the script of the proposed film to
Rajinikanth in December 2019.[13][14] The project, which was tentatively titled Thalaivar 169, was scheduled to be launched in March 2020.[15] Despite the progress of discussions, the
COVID-19 pandemic delayed the film's launch.[16][17][18]
In September 2020, Lokesh announced a different project that would feature
Kamal Haasan in the lead role.[19] The film's official poster was released on 16 September 2020,[20][21] which had the working titles Kamal Haasan 232 and Evanendru Ninaithaai,[22][23][24] a line from the title song from his film Vishwaroopam (2013).[25] In October 2020, the team made a promotional teaser of the film in Chennai, adhering to the Indian government's
COVID-19 safety regulations.[26] Coinciding with the actor's 66th birthday on 7 November 2020, the makers released a title teaser of the film,[27] featuring Kamal Haasan,[28] in which the film's title was revealed to be Vikram, the same title as
a 1986 film that also stars Haasan.[29][30]
On 7 April, after Haasan's commitments during the
2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, Lokesh shared a post through his social media accounts announcing pre-production work for the film had begun.[31] Because Haasan had decided to shoot for the film only after the election results, in which he contested the
Coimbatore South constituency, he demanded Lokesh alter the script;[32] but the pandemic delayed this. Initially, the project was planned with a single 60-day filming schedule[33] with a new, undisclosed technology that would shorten film production but this did not happen as planned.[34] Haasan was reported to be playing a retired police officer and media reports stated he would wear a khaki uniform for this film after 15 years since Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006).[33] He was reported to sport a thick beard in the film.[35] For the flashback portions, Lokesh would use
de-aging technology. The entire flashback sequence was reported to cost around ₹100 million, particularly for the technology used in the film.[36][37] In April 2022, Lokesh submitted the film's script to the Copyright Office, New Delhi, for legal copyrights.[38]
Lokesh chose to work with cinematographer
Sathyan Sooryan and editor
Philomin Raj, with whom he had worked on earlier films.[41] Due to scheduling conflicts, Sooryan left the production and was replaced by
Girish Gangadharan;, who had appeared in the Tamil film Sarkar (2018).[42][43] Twin stunt choreographers
Anbariv were announced as part of the film's technical crew, marking their second collaboration with Lokesh after Kaithi (2019).[44][45]
In April 2021,
Fahadh Faasil confirmed his presence in the film, making it his third project in Tamil after Velaikkaran (2017) and Super Deluxe (2019).[46][47]Raghava Lawrence has stated he was the original choice for the antagonist, which he declined because he felt the character's violent nature would alienate family audiences so the role went to
Vijay Sethupathi.[48]Narain, who appeared in a pivotal role in Lokesh's Kaithi, signed the project in June 2021.[49]Kalidas Jayaram was approached to be cast as Haasan's son, a pivotal role, in July 2021.[50] It was later revealed
Arjun Das also was approached for a role in the film, his third-consecutive association with Lokesh after Kaithi and Master.[51] Later, it was confirmed he would have a cameo role, reprising his character from Kaithi.[52]
In August 2021,
Shivani Narayanan was chosen to play one of the three female leads opposite Sethupathi's character.[53][54] In September, Mynaa Nandhini and Maheshwari Chanakyan were confirmed as the other two female actors.[55][56] Swathishta Krishnan and Malayalam actor
Chemban Vinod Jose were cast in pivotal roles, the latter in his Tamil film debut.[57] In October, popular Tamil-language
YouTube channelVillage Cooking Channel team—M. Periyathambi, the grandson V. Subramanian, and his cousins—were cast in the film during the third schedule for a wedding sequence.[58][59] In November 2021,
Hareesh Peradi was also confirmed to star in a pivotal role.[60] In early January 2022,
Santhana Bharathi joined the film.[61]
Suriya confirmed he would also be seen in a cameo.[62] Haasan talked about Suriya's role at the Film Companion at
Cannes Film Festival, stating: "It's no more a rumour. We had to put up our hand and admit that Suriya is playing an incredible last minute appearance. That should take the story a little further, probably into part 3."[63] Suriya charged no fee for acting in the film,[64] and only received a
Rolex watch for playing a character named Rolex.[65]Karthi had been offered a reprise of his role from Kaithi but could not accept due to his filming commitments to the two-part production Ponniyin Selvan (2022 and 2023); he has a voice-only cameo in Vikram.[66]
Filming
Principal photography began on 16 July 2021.[67] The team began the film's first schedule in
Karaikudi on 6 August, which was delayed by the filming of Suriya's Etharkkum Thunindhavan at the same location and, to comply with COVID-19 safety regulations, the crew had to wait until the Etharkkum Thunindhavan crew had finished filming and left the location.[68] The first schedule began in Karaikudi on 20 August and filming continued for a month. The second schedule of the film began in Chennai on 19 September and later moved to
Pondicherry.[69] The second schedule ended on 2 October 2021.[70][71]
On 13 October, the third schedule began.[72] The team planned to film two sequences for four days at
Tamil Nadu Police Museum, including two days of set work on 24–25 October, and two days of filming on 27–28 October 2021 but officials denied permission to film there, citing pandemic restrictions. The filmmakers later decided to postpone the shoot because they needed an alternative location.[73]
The team began the final month-long schedule on 17 November 2021 in
Coimbatore, filming scenes featuring Haasan, Sethupathi and Faasil.[74][75][76] Filming was halted after Haasan was diagnosed with COVID-19 after visiting the United States for the inauguration of his clothing brand.[77] This resulted in the team filmting major stunt sequences indoors. A set work with more than 50 damaged cars had been filmed in Coimbatore during this schedule; following the actor's diagnosis, the team decided to shift location to
Binny Mills for continuity.[78] Filming resumed on 10 December 2021 with important sequences with other actors. Haasan joined the sets on 22 December.[79]
In late December 2021, the production quickly filmed sequences at a house in
East Coast Road but in early January, filming stopped after some technicians working on the film were diagnosed with COVID-19. The production cost increased because the cost of renting the house, even on non-filming days, was enormous.[80] Haasan's medical commitments and his participation in Bigg Boss Ultimate further delayed filming, which resulted in the team skipping an entire schedule. Due to the rise in
COVID-19 infections in Tamil Nadu, the team planned film with a minimal crew.[81] On 24 January 2022, the team filmed sequences at the
Vettri Theatres in
Chromepet, Chennai.[82][83] The final schedule began on 5 February 2022 with 15 days' filming of face-off scenes with Haasan and Sethupathi.[84][85] To prioritise the filming, Haasan stepped down as the host for Bigg Boss Ultimate.[86] Principal photography
wrapped at the end of February.[87]
The music and background score is composed by
Anirudh Ravichander, in his first collaboration with Haasan; and second with Lokesh after Master (2021).
Sony Music India purchased the music rights. The film's audio launch took place at
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, on 15 May 2022.[88]
Marketing
A 45-second teaser trailer depicting an action sequence set in a prison was released on 7 November 2021.[89][90] In April 2022, the teaser was attached to prints of KGF: Chapter 2 and Beast in theatres.[91] As part of Vikram's promotion, in collaboration with
Southern Railways, the production's marketing team placed advertisements on locomotives travelling across India.[92][93] The film's trailer was released at the audio launch event on 15 May 2022 and within 24 hours, it exceeded 12 million views.[94][95]
At a pre-release event held at PVR Priya-Vasant Vihar theatre in Delhi,
PVR Cinemas in collaboration with Raajkamal Films announced all theatres in Delhi owned by PVR would be rebranded as "PVR Vikram Hitlist".[106] The film's Kerala distributor Shibu Thameens hosted a pre-release event at
Lulu International Shopping Mall, Kochi, on 27 May 2022.[107] On 28 May, an event was held in Mumbai to promote the film's Hindi version.[108] On 29 May, the film's press screening was held in Malaysia with opposition leader
Anwar Ibrahim as the chief guest.[109] On 31 May, a pre-release event with
Venkatesh and
Nithiin in attendance was held in
Hyderabad.[110][111] On 1 June, Haasan attended the film's pre-release event in Dubai and the theatrical trailer was screened at
Burj Khalifa.[112]
The packaged water company
Bisleri unveiled a limited-edition bottle featuring the cast of Vikram.[113] The film's official
Twitter emoji was released on 23 May 2022.[114] On 27 May 2022, a special promotion teasing the conference-call sequence from Haasan's fim Panchatanthiram (2002) was released;[115] it featured lead actors from the original film
Jayaram,
Yugi Sethu,
Ramesh Aravind and
Sriman.[116][117]
Post-release, Vikram was promoted at
Times Square, New York City.[118]Amul released a doodle inspired by the film to celebrate its success.[119][120]
Release
Theatrical
Vikram was released in theatres on 3 June 2022.[121][122] It was initially scheduled for release in mid-April[123] but was preponed to 31 March,[124] postponed to 29 April,[125] and then to June 2022, both times after the producers adjusted the release date due to the scheduling of several other big-budget films and production delays caused by the pandemic.[126]Vikram was dubbed in Telugu and Hindi under the title Vikram Hitlist.[127][128]
Screenings and statistics
According to Tiruppur Subramanian, president of Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association (TNTOA), Vikram received the "widest ever release for a Kamal Haasan film".[129]Vikram opened in 700–800 screens in
Tamil Nadu,[129] 400 screens in
Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana,[130] 100 screens in
Kerala and 200 screens in
Karnataka.[129] The Hindi-dubbed version was released in over 1,000–1,500 screens in North India, competing with Samrat Prithviraj and Major.[131] Prime Media, which acquired the theatrical rights in the United States, hosted special shows in the country on 2 June, ahead of its Indian release.[132] The film was screened in on over 2,000 screens in 500 theatres.[133] Rakesh Gowthaman, managing director of Vettri Theatres, stated anticipation form Vikram was attributed to rigorous promotions from the team.[129] Film distributor and exhibitor Akshaye Rathi talked about the possibilities of the film's performance in the Northern belt, stating: "Vikram has an urban look and feel but the storytelling syntax seems very mass friendly. Kamal's recent movies were abstract and intellectually inaccessible for many. Vikram is a simple, hard-hitting, commercial cinema. It is as mainstream as it gets."[131]
Advance bookings of Vikram began on 29 May 2022.[134][135] The film earned over ₹103.5 million from pre-ticket sales, according to
Asianet News.[136] Early morning shows were held at 4:00 a.m. across Tamil Nadu.[137] In May 2022, a petition was filed to stop screening of 4:00 a.m. shows of the film; the petition said theatre owners may charge high prices for the tickets and alleged tax evasion on these shows that would cause a huge loss for the government, though the issue was later resolved.[137][138] Horizon Studios, which distributed the film in Karnataka, allotted early morning shows beginning at 6:30 a.m. Tony Raj, the film's distributor, said he estimated the film would receive over 1,200 shows a day in the state.[129]
A week ahead of its release,
Madras High Court restrained Internet service providers (ISPs) and over 1,000 unauthorised piracy sites from illegally streaming and downloading of Vikram after one of the production company's executives filed an
affidavit ordering the websites not to screen the film.[139][140]
Distribution
According to Sify, Vikram was "hot in the trade".[141] Before its release, Vikram earned about ₹2 billion from theatrical and non-theatrical revenues, including sales of its satellite, digital, audio and Hindi-dubbing rights.[142] In late-March 2022,
Udhayanidhi Stalin's firm
Red Giant Movies acquired the film's theatrical distribution rights in
Tamil Nadu.[143][144]Jayantilal Gada's company
Pen Studios acquired the theatrical rights for the Hindi-dubbed version, which it distributed through its division
Pen Marudhar Entertainment.[145][146]
Shibu Thameens' firm
HR Pictures acquired Vikram's distribution right for Karela for ₹80 million.[147] Shree Karpaga Vinayaga Film Circuits acquired the film's
Karnataka distribution rights,[148]Sreshth Movies acquired the
Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana distribution rights.[149][150] In the United States, the film was distributed by Prime Media.[133] Hamsini Entertainment and Ahimsa Entertainment acquired the theatrical rights for United Kingdom and Europe;[151][152] Ahimsa Entertainment also distributed the film in Australia and New Zealand,[152] and AP International purchased the film's theatrical rights in other overseas markets.[153]
Home media and screenplay
In late February 2022, the film's satellite and
digital distribution rights were sold to
Star India Network for ₹1.12 billion.[154][155] It was then confirmed that the satellite rights of the film have been sold to
Star Vijay.[156]Vikram was streamed through
Disney+ Hotstar from 8 July 2022 in Tamil and dubbed versions in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada languages;[157][158][159] and on 13 September 2022, streaming in all five languages started on
ZEE5.[160][161] The Telugu-language version Vikram was premiered on television on 11 September 2022 on
Star Maa.[162] The film's Hindi-language version was premiered on 24 September 2022 on
Star Gold.[163] The original Tamil-language version was premiered on 24 October 2022 on
Star Vijay, coinciding with the
Diwali festival.[164] The Malayalam-dubbed version of the film had its television premiere on 6 November 2022 on
Asianet.[165]
In january 2023, Pesamozhi Publications published the film's screenplay in book form. [166]
On the first day of its release, Vikram earned ₹66
crore worldwide,[169] including ₹25 crore in Tamil Nadu,[170]₹5.02 crore in Kerala,[171]₹3.4 crore in Karnataka, ₹2.9 crore in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and ₹0.75 crore in other territories of India.[172] Within two days of its release, the film had earned ₹100 crore.[173] It had collected ₹175 crore worldwide at the end of its third day, including ₹100 crore in India.[174]
At the end of seven days, Vikram had grossed over ₹260 crore,[175] and close to ₹350 crore at the end of 14 days.[176] According to India Today, on the 27th day of its release, the film's worldwide box-office revenue was approaching ₹500 crore.[177]Vikram broke several records, becoming the first Tamil film to garner ₹100 crore in Tamil Nadu with a gross collection in the state of nearly ₹200 crore.[178]
Bollywood Hungama estimated the film had earned a gross of ₹435 crore (US$55 million),[6]The Telegraph India estimated its revenue at ₹450 crore (US$57 million),[179] and Asianet News Tamil estimated earnings of ₹500 crore (US$64 million).[180] According to Hindustan Times, at the end of its 113-day theatrical run, Vikram became the highest-grossing film ever in Tamil Nadu, registered a record attendance land grossed over ₹500 crore worldwide.[7]
Divya Nair of Rediff rated the film four stars out of five, and wrote: "With ample whistle podu moments, Vikram is a macho blockbuster that shouldn't be missed".[185] Soundarya Athimuthu of The Quint rated the film four stars out of five, and wrote; "Lokesh Kanagaraj has loaded Vikram with a battalion of characters but he has ensured that all of them have their due scope to perform, even though some might have lesser screen time including Ulaganaayagan".[186] A critic for Pinkvilla rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "Kamal Haasan is a visual delight in this action thriller".[187] Ashameera Aiyappan of Firstpost also rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "One glimpse of Kamal Haasan in Lokesh Kanagaraj's Vikram and you just know he is the G.O.A.T".[188]Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "Lokesh must be applauded for not wasting time on fanboy tributes to the superstar on board, and sticking to telling the story".[189]
Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five and wrote: "Vikram is only the beginning. In the climax, Lokesh teases at least three separate movies that could branch out from this one".[190] A critic for Zee News rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "Vikram works if one looks at it as just an action entertainer".[191] Vivek M V of Deccan Herald rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "Lokesh has found his own voice and his fast yet admirable growth promises exciting things going forward".[192] Josh Hurtado of The Austin Chronicle rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "An incredible booming background score from Anirudh Ravichander, and some very fun surprises throughout, Vikram is definitely among the year's best Tamil films".[193] Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times stated: "Anirudh Ravichander's music, especially the background score, plays a pivotal role in amplifying the overall experience of watching Vikram on the big screen, apart from the terrific action sequences. Suriya's brief but powerful cameo is just the high one needs as you step out of Vikram".[194]
Srivatsan S of The Hindu stated: "The new 'Vikram' disappoints the fans of the 1986 original and could have been a standalone film with Fahadh Faasil carrying on the legacy of the agent like in the James Bond films".[195] Lakshmi Subramanian of The Week rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "Vikram is packed with thrilling moments from the very first minute. With technical superiority and terrific casting, the first half is an interesting watch, while the narration and a few long rants tire you in the second half".[196]Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "Kamal Haasan is fabulous. Vijay Sethupathi fleshes out an edgy criminal whose frazzled heart and addled mind push him in startling directions."[197] M Suganth of The Times of India rated the film three-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "In a film filled with action heroes, the biggest mass moment comes in a stunt scene involving a female character. Vikram needed a few more such moments to have been truly memorable".[198]
Janani K of India Today rated the film three stars out of five, and wrote: "Vikram has several whistle-worthy moments. But, the plot becomes too generic after a point".[199] Gautaman Bhaskaran of News 18 rated the film two-and-a-half stars out of five, and wrote: "Vikram is drama, drama, drama all the way in which the director has not only bitten more than he can chew but exhibits his diehard admiration for Kamal Haasan".[200] Sudhir Srinivasan of The New Indian Express rated the film three out of five, and wrote: "Much like the morality of both characters, I'll have to say it lies somewhere in between, and much like those two men, the film does tilt towards the good".[201]Ananda Vikatan rated the film 44 out of 100.[202]The Hans India gave it three stars out of five, and wrote: "On the whole, Vikram is all for action lovers and movie buffs as it is the best entertaining movie that hit the screens these days! A perfect concoction of action and mystery turned it out into a blockbuster!"[203]Dinamalar rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars.[204] Ashwin Ram of Moviecrow rated the film three out of five, and wrote: "Vikram is interesting with a lot of layers and angles, but the presentation falls short of a solid punch".[205]
Owing to the film's success, Kamal Haasan told Pinkvilla there was a possibility of a sequel to Vikram, and there were also reports stating a third sequel to Vikram, which will be part of the
Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), might be produced.[207][208][209]
In Leo (2023), the third installment of the LCU, Haasan reprised his role as Vikram in a voice-over and
Maya S. Krishnan reprised her Vikram role in a cameo.[210]