Late actor-politician Vijayakanth's iconic film Captain Prabhakaran opened in theatres on Friday to massive celebrations from fans and audiences. The film, re-released after 34 years, has been restored, digitised and screened in 4K technology. Following the film's first show, an emotional Shanmuga Pandian spoke to the media on how he felt watching his father's 100th film for the first time in theatres.
"When the film was released, I was not born, only my brother was. I have watched Captain Prabhakaran on TV earlier, but this is my first time watching this film in theatres and I am elated to have had this experience," he said. The Padai Thalaivan actor praised director RK Selvamani for showcasing his father very beautifully on screen and highlighted the film's timeless dialogues and story.
"Even today, everyone, irrespective of their age, enjoyed watching the opening fight sequence. Nobody would believe that the film was taken in the '90s. The film is technologically sound and sharp and we have to appreciate the makers for creating it well with the technology that was available back then," he added, underlining the engaging factor of the film that aided to its longevity.
"Watching my father after a long time on screens made me emotional," he shared, stating his wish to see more films of the actor in theatres.
Directed by RK Selvamani and released in theatres during the occasion of Tamil new year of 1991, Captain Prabhakaran earned him the beloved moniker 'Captain' for him, a title that had struck a chord with audiences, fans and his party cadres and stayed with him all through his life.
The title of the film was inspired from Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and featured Mansoor Ali Khan as the antagonist. His character Veerabhadran was loosely based on the forest brigand and sandalwood smuggler Veerappan.
Captain Prabhakaran also starred Rupini, Livingston and Ramya Krishnan, while Sarathkumar appeared in a cameo role. The music for the action film was scored by Ilaiyaraaja. The re-release comes three days ahead of his 73rd birth anniversary.