Will Marudhanayagam be resumed following Vikram’s success? – Kamal Haasan opens up

It is evident that ‘Vikram’ has marked the biggest opening for a Kamal Haasan film at the box office. The mass filled movie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has dominated all other films to bank more than Rs 200 crores in just 5 days. Elated by the success, Kamal gifted Suriya, Lokesh and the assistant directors. 

We already saw that Kamal and Lokesh thanked the audience for supporting the movie. Today, Kamal Haasan and Lokesh Kanagaraj met the media at the ‘Vikram’ post-release press meet. They both expressed their gratitude to the press people for success and answered the media’s questions about their future ventures. 

When a reporter asked whether Vikram’s success would pave way for the revival of Kamal Haasan’s shelved films like Marmayogi, Sabaash Naidu and Marudhanayagam, Kamal clarified, “After such long delays, I have a bit of disinterest towards these films. I cannot go into it and get locked again. The right people have to come forward and restart them.” 

Kamal Haasan pondered the idea of ‘Marmayogi’ after the release of his 2001 film ‘Aalavandhaan’. Marmayogi was announced as Kamal’s next project post the completion of Dasavatharam (2008) but the project never materialised. It was planned as a bilingual Hindi-Tamil period film, set in the 7th century. 

‘Sabaash Naidu’ was a spin-off to his character from Dasavatharam, announced in 2015. Kamal Haasan’s daughters were also roped in to work on the project and the team shot a few portions in a foreign location in 2016 but it was dropped later due to various reasons. Though the project is shelved, Kamal says that the script is still in his head. 

Last but not least, ‘Marudhanayagam’ is one of the most ambitious films envisioned in Indian cinema. It is safe to say that it is one of Kamal’s most desired projects. The film was supposed to be a biopic drama based on the 18th-century warrior, Muhammed Yusuf Khan aka Marudhanayagam who revolted against the British. The makers shot some portions of the movie but were unable to continue it due to budget issues. It is the most hyped unfinished project by Kamal but a song and a trailer were released.