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Revisiting Virumaandi: A look-back at the making of Kamal Haasan's eloquent argument against capital punishment

As Kamal Haaasan's cult film, whose narrative is based on the Rashomon effect, steps into its 17th year, we give you some interesting trivia on its making.
As Kamal Haaasan's cult film, whose narrative is based on the Rashomon effect, steps into its 17th year, we give you some interesting trivia on its making.
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The film was launched on 18 April 2003 under the title Sandiyar at Madurai, however the title was later changed following continued protests.
The film was launched on 18 April 2003 under the title Sandiyar at Madurai, however the title was later changed following continued protests.
K. Krishnasamy, the leader of Pudhiya Tamizhagam, a caste-based political organisation protested against the film's earlier title Sandiyar citing that the title might evoke unrest.
K. Krishnasamy, the leader of Pudhiya Tamizhagam, a caste-based political organisation protested against the film's earlier title Sandiyar citing that the title might evoke unrest.
For the scenes involving Jallikattu, real life bulls were brought in, and was recorded live. A Nuendo machine - a digital audio workstation to record live sound, was kept at the shooting venue.
For the scenes involving Jallikattu, real life bulls were brought in, and was recorded live. A Nuendo machine - a digital audio workstation to record live sound, was kept at the shooting venue.
Due to political controversy, Kamal had to shift the Jallikattu shoot from Madurai to Chennai midway.
Due to political controversy, Kamal had to shift the Jallikattu shoot from Madurai to Chennai midway.
Prabhakar, the art director recreated the Madurai villages and the Jalikuttu stations, in Chennai with the help of extensive sets,
Prabhakar, the art director recreated the Madurai villages and the Jalikuttu stations, in Chennai with the help of extensive sets,
Bulls from Madurai and nearby districts were transported to Chennai for the bull fight sequences .
Bulls from Madurai and nearby districts were transported to Chennai for the bull fight sequences .
Cinematographer Kesav Prakash, who was trained in the US, was an assistant to Ravi K. Chandran in the Marudanayagam project, was roped in for VIrumandi.
Cinematographer Kesav Prakash, who was trained in the US, was an assistant to Ravi K. Chandran in the Marudanayagam project, was roped in for VIrumandi.
Both Kamal and Keshav Prakash tried to make the film in high definition mode but had to abandon the technology midway due to some snags.
Both Kamal and Keshav Prakash tried to make the film in high definition mode but had to abandon the technology midway due to some snags.
The entire film was shot via live-recorded sound.
The entire film was shot via live-recorded sound.
Kamal Haasan a constant learner and an experimenter learned how to ride a moped without using his hand.
Kamal Haasan a constant learner and an experimenter learned how to ride a moped without using his hand.
The film released in 425 screens worldwide and first in Tamil cinema with crossing 400 screens. The film got the best opening among Pongal releases grossing ₹6 crore in first weekend worldwide.
The film released in 425 screens worldwide and first in Tamil cinema with crossing 400 screens. The film got the best opening among Pongal releases grossing ₹6 crore in first weekend worldwide.
Virumandi, being a super hit at the box office, was dubbed into Telugu as 'Pothuraju'.
Virumandi, being a super hit at the box office, was dubbed into Telugu as 'Pothuraju'.
The film's score and soundtrack, composed by Ilayaraaja, was launched in a grand function in Madurai.
The film's score and soundtrack, composed by Ilayaraaja, was launched in a grand function in Madurai.
Virumandi won the International Award for Best Asian Film at the 2004 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea.
Virumandi won the International Award for Best Asian Film at the 2004 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea.
The film was said to be an eloquent argument against capital punishment without excusing the killer for his crimes
The film was said to be an eloquent argument against capital punishment without excusing the killer for his crimes
Virumandi acquired cult status in Tamil cinema and inspired similar themes.
Virumandi acquired cult status in Tamil cinema and inspired similar themes.
Here are a few more snapshots from the film...
Here are a few more snapshots from the film...

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