Famed South Indian actor Vikram is renowned for his remarkable ability to transform himself for the diverse roles he plays on screen. Over the years, Vikram has consistently pushed the boundaries of physical transformation, embodying each character with an intensity that resonates deeply with audiences. His recent film, Thangalaan, is no exception, where Vikram once again altered his physique to perfectly fit his role, earning widespread admiration from fans. However, such extreme and frequent physical changes can take a toll on the body, and Vikram has opened up about the risks associated with his dedication to his craft. ALSO READ: Thangalaan: Vikram Serves Food To The Cast And Crew Of The Film At The Traditional Success Party; Netizens Say, ‘Thala For A Reason’
One of Vikram’s most iconic films is Kasi, a cult classic that continues to be celebrated years after its release. In Kasi, Vikram portrayed a blind man, a role that required him to keep his eyelids pulled upwards throughout the shoot. This commitment to realism came at a cost; after filming, Vikram struggled with his vision for several months, unable to see properly as his eyes could not return to their normal state. Reflecting on the experience, Vikram shared, "When I did Kasi, I couldn't see for two to three months because I had my eyelids up all the time. I was at the risk of getting a squint eye."
Another significant transformation occurred during the making of his 2015 blockbuster film, I. In this film, Vikram played a character whose physical appearance is drastically altered after being injected with a virus. To authentically portray this character, Vikram underwent a drastic weight loss, shedding over 30 kilograms, which brought his weight down to 52 kilograms from 86 kilograms. The extreme weight loss put him at serious risk, with doctors warning him of the potential for organ failure. Vikram recalled, "When I did I, I made drastic changes. My weight went down to 52 kg at that time from 86 kg. I wanted to get down to 50 kg, but my doctor said, 'Go easy, let's not get excited about this because I can see perimeters changing a bit, and if the main organ fails, then it may be a problem; we don't know how to revive you.' Then I stopped."
Despite these physical challenges, Vikram continues to take on roles that demand exceptional dedication. His latest release, Thangalaan, is based on true events from the British colonial era and explores the struggles of indigenous tribes affected by mining activities. The film, which features a stellar cast including Malavika Mohanan, Parvathy, Pasupathy, and Hollywood actor Daniel Caltagirone, was released on August 15. Though Thangalaan received mixed reviews from critics, it managed to achieve moderate success at the box office, further cementing Vikram’s reputation as an actor who is unafraid to push his limits for the sake of his art.
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