Aishwarya Rajinikanth, recently opened up about directing her father and legendary star Rajinikanth in her 2024 sports action drama Lal Salaam. Speaking during the final day of the IFFI 2025 held in Goa, she called the experience "surreal" and a "blessing" for the film which was telecasted at the festival.
"The moment is still sinking in. It’s so surreal. I am really at a loss for words for this experience. I think it’s a blessing for this film," she said, adding, "There were so many experiences and hardships throughout this journey. It was a huge challenge to make this film, and my father has been such a strong foundation for it to happen. I truly owe it to him, and I am indebted to him, the director, and his daughter for doing such a film." “I thank the producers for believing in us, and I thank Rahman sir for supporting such a cause because he loved the message the film carried. Every single person who worked on this film has taken back bits and pieces of its emotion, and that is the most important thing. To present it on a platform like this, globally, was never even in our minds."
Calling it a dream-come-true moment, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am extremely thankful to God today, and I thank my team for standing by me through every hardship. Thank you all so much for your support. To celebrate his 50th year, and for this film to be a part of that, is a blessing for his daughter and as a director."
When probed about the liberties she had as a daughter of the star while directing the film, she said that the professional relationship made the direction process harder. "...because every time we crossed paths, he would stand up. It was difficult to work around him as a director because we’re all so close to him. I am extremely blessed to have had this opportunity," she added.
She further said, "Every single day when he walked onto the set and I said ‘action’, I witnessed a walking masterclass. Not just on screen, off screen too.” “His dedication, his timing – everyone had to be punctual because he was punctual. Everyone had to be dedicated because he was dedicated. It was like a 24-hour free masterclass for all of us."
Aishwarya Rajinikanth's Lal Salaam, released in February 2024, featured Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth in lead roles and Rajinikanth in an extended cameo. The film had an ensemble cast that included Senthil, Jeevitha, Thambi Ramaiah, Ananthika Sanilkumar, Vivek Prasanna, Thangadurai, and KS Ravikumar, among others. It had music by AR Rahman.
