Thuppakki
Thuppakki (English: Gun) is an upcoming Tamil action thriller film written and directed by A. R. Murugadoss, which will star Vijay as an encounter specialist, alongside Kajal Aggarwal, with Vidyut Jamwal,Jayaram, Sathyan, Gautham Kurup and Akshara Gowda in supporting roles. It is produced by S. Thanu and it features background score and soundtrack composed by Harris Jayaraj, also the cinematography is handled by Santhosh Sivan. The film, which commenced in early December in Mumbai, is currently in its production stage and slated for a mid-August release.
Cast
- Vijay as Jagadeesh
- Kajal Aggarwal as Nisha
- Vidyut Jamwal
- Jayaram
- Gautham Kurup
- Akshara Gowda
- Anupama Kumar
- Sathyan
- Prashant Nair
- Deepthi Nambiar
- A. R. Murugadoss in a special appearance
Production
Development
In July 2010, sources reported that Vijay would star in an action film by A. R. Murugadoss, after completing his ongoing projects. Vijay's father S. A. Chandrasekhar was to produce the film initially, before Kalaipuli S. Thanu took over the project. Although Maalai Nerathu Mazhaithuli was considered as the title initially, the film became titled as Thuppakki. National Film Award winners A. Sreekar Prasad, Thotta Tharani and Santhosh Sivan were roped in for editing, art direction and cinematography, respectively.
Filming
According to early reports, filming was to commence at Thiruchendur and continue in Mumbai. Supposed to start on November 26, 2011, it began on 5 December in Mumbai. Vijay would appear in a completely different with a different hairstyle as well as a facial makeover. The first schedule that lasted for 35 days was completed by January 2012. The climax featuring a stunt sequence involving Vijay and 60 fighters was shot using nearly 7 cameras towards the end of January. In Bandra, Mumbai, Vijay filmed one scene with cinematographer Santosh Sivan's assistance, who commented that it was shot perfectly and decided to retain it in the film. Sivan further told that a major part of the film was being shot in real locations with hidden cameras.
The unit completed a 10 day shoot in Bangkok for a song sequence featuring Vijay and Kajal in March. The second schedule started on April 12 in Mumbai. The thirs schedule was wrapped up in May 2012, following which only two songs were remining, both of which have been scheduled to be shot in Thailand. Cinematographer Santosh Sivan did not use the usual 35 MM camera to shoot the film, but was said to have exploited the latest Arri digital technology that was introduced in 2011, becoming one of the first persons in the world to make use of the technology. Vijay met with a minor accident during the shoot and hurt his knee. The shooting was stalled following the incident and the actor left to London to undergo treatment.
Release
The distribution rights were bought by Gemini Film Circuit, which had produced and distributed Nanban. A dubbed same-titled Telugu version of the film is also expected to release simultaneously. During the making, sources reported that Murugadoss may remake the film in Hindi with Akshay Kumar. Murugadoss approached a leading Mumbai-based trailer specialist for the first official teaser for Thuppakki. The makers confirmed that it would be released on August 15th. The teaser of the film did not release though it was officially announced that it would be released in 22nd June coinciding with Vijay's birthday However, the director of the film AR Murugadoss announced that the teaser is to be released on July 1st, ten days later.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack will be composed by Harris Jayaraj, working for the second time for Vijay after the successful album of Nanban and the third time with Murugadoss. After a long time, Vijay has sung a song for the film's album which happens to be a party number. Though initial reports said that international R&B singer Akon would sing the title song of the film, they were later dismissed
Thuppakki First Look posters.....
