Vijay 61 Mersal Movie Official First Look - Atlee | AR Rahman | Kajal Agarwal | Samantha

Sri Thenandal Films on Tuesday announced that the first look and the title of Ilayathalapathy Vijay’s upcoming film will be unveiled by producers Murali Ramasamy and Hema Ruckmani on the eve of the actor’s 43rd birthday on Wednesday at 6 pm (June 21). The Atlee directorial is tentatively called Vijay 61 and is one of the most-awaited films that will release in October during Diwali. Well, the name of Atee Kumar's film is Mersal and it was revealed along with the first look poster. 

The first look presents Vijay in a rural avatar. He is seen sporting 'vibhuti' (sacred ash) on his forehead, while the twirled moustache with a beard gives him an attractive look. What is more interesting is the bulls in the background that tells that the movie has a connection with 'Jallikattu,' the traditional bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu.

The first look has been released to coincide with the celebration of actor's birthday, who will turn 43 on Thursday, June 22. The fans have given an overwhelming response to the film and the title. 

Earlier, it was reported that the makers had considered five names that also included Moondru Mugam, the title of Rajinikanth's 1982 hit film. But the said name was later dropped and only four titles were in consideration.

On the other hand, the fans of Vijay are set to celebrate his 43rd birthday like every year. They engage themselves in charity, blood donations and distribute sweets apart from doing various other things on the special day for the well-being of the Ghilli star. 

Many theatres across Tamil Nadu are cashing in on the hype by screening some of his popular movies. This year, Theri, Kaththi and a few other hit flicks are being screened in theatres.

Coming back to Vijay 61, the movie marks the second union of Atlee with Vijay after Theri. In the latest film, Ilayathalapathy is romancing top heroines like Samantha, Kajal Aggarwal and Nithya Menen. SJ Suryah plays the role of the villain in the movie, which will hit the screens in October. The movie also has Vadivelu and other few others in the supporting roles.

AR Rahman is composing the music for the flick while Sri Thenandal Films is bankrolling it. GK Vishnu is wielding the camera and Ruben is the editor.

Vijay 61 is also a landmark one for Sri Thenandal Films as it is the 100th film of the production house. The filmmakers have also planned a grand audio release in August and the preparations for the same are already underway.

Director Atlee has assembled a dream team for his second consecutive outing with Vijay in the lead role, after delivering a box office blockbuster last year, Theri. The film was a top-grosser in Tamil cinema, with box office records only next to Rajinikanth’s Kabali. Trade pundits and fans are expecting the director-actor duo to repeat its success story this year as well.

The film has three leading ladies, including Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kajal Aggarwal and Nithya Menen. It also has seasoned actors like Sathyaraj, Kovai Sarala, Vadivelu, SJ Suriyah among others in its supporting cast. Vijay will be reportedly playing three different roles over different timelines in the film.

Atlee has also put together a sound technical team, including Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman, cinematographer GK Vishnu, editor Ruben, production designer T Muthuraj.

The big-ticket film has been shot extensively on the huge sets erected in Chennai and a few important scenes have also been shot in Europe. The film is being made in Tamil and Telugu and will have a simultaneous release worldwide.

VIJAY 61 MERSAL MOVIE 

CAST:

Kajal Aggarwal

Nithya Menon

Samantha

S. J. Surya

Sathyaraj

Vadivelu

Kovai Sarala

Sathyan

Rajendran

CREW:

Directed by : Atlee

Produced by : N. Ramasamy & Hema Rukmani

Written by : Atlee & S. Ramana Girivasan (Dialogue)

Screenplay by : Atlee, K. V. Vijayendra Prasad & S. Ramana Girivasan

Story by : K. V. Vijayendra Prasad

Music by : A. R. Rahman

Cinematography : G. K. Vishnu

Edited by : Ruben

Production & Distributed company : Thenandal Studio Limited

Release date : October 2017