I (2015 film)

Vikram's look for the film after the character is deformed

I is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language science fiction romantic thriller film written and directed by Shankar. It is produced by V. Ravichandran under the banner Aascar Films. The film stars Vikram in the lead role, with Amy Jackson, Suresh Gopi, and Upen Patel in supporting roles. The soundtrack and film score were composed by A. R. Rahman, with cinematography handled by P. C. Sreeram and editing done by Anthony. The film's development dates back to 2005, but it was officially announced in 2010. Its principal photography commenced in 2012 and lasted for two and a half years. The film was noted for its extensive visual effects, which were done by the renowned Weta Workshop, and for the challenging prosthetic makeup worn by Vikram, which took several hours to apply.

Plot

The story revolves around Lingesan (Vikram), a bodybuilder whose dream is to win the Mr. India title. He idolizes Diya (Amy Jackson), a leading model. Through a series of events, Lingesan ends up replacing a model and works alongside Diya, eventually falling in love with her. However, their happiness is short-lived as Lingesan becomes the target of multiple enemies who conspire against him, leading to a drastic transformation in his appearance due to a virus injected into his body. The rest of the film follows Lingesan's quest for revenge against those who ruined his life, while also trying to win back Diya's love.

Production

The production of I was a massive undertaking, involving elaborate sets, extensive visual effects, and significant makeup work for Vikram, who underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role. The film was shot in various locations, including China, Bangkok, and different parts of India. The makeup for Vikram's character, which showcased him in multiple avatars, was a critical aspect of the film and required collaboration with international makeup artists.

Music

The film's music was composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by Madhan Karky and Kabilan Vairamuthu. The soundtrack received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, contributing significantly to the film's anticipation and reception.

Release and Reception

I was released on 14 January 2015, coinciding with the Pongal festival. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the film's visual effects, makeup, and Vikram's performance but criticized its storyline and pacing. Despite the mixed critical reception, I was a commercial success, grossing over 2 billion INR worldwide. It became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time and showcased the potential for Indian cinema to create visually stunning and technically complex films.

Impact and Legacy

The film is often cited for its groundbreaking visual effects and makeup in Indian cinema. Vikram's dedication to his role, involving significant physical changes and the challenges of acting under heavy prosthetics, has been widely appreciated. I has since inspired discussions on the capabilities and future of visual effects and makeup in Indian films.