Did actor Vijayakanth perform a dangerous stunt himself?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent revelation, director A R Murugadoss highlights Captain Vijayakanth's unparalleled bravery during a risky stunt in 'Captain Prabhakaran'. This story showcases not only his commitment to authenticity but also his humility in crediting a body double for the feat, proving his exceptional character in the film industry.
Key Takeaways
- Vijayakanth displayed remarkable bravery by performing his own stunts.
- He emphasized the value of life, whether for himself or a stunt double.
- Director A R Murugadoss shared fond memories of working with him.
- Vijayakanth’s humility shines through in his request to credit a body double.
- His actions set a positive example in the film industry.
Chennai, May 18 (NationPress) Director A R Murugadoss has praised Captain Vijayakanth for his bravery and thoughtful nature, revealing that the late actor chose to perform a hazardous stunt himself in the classic Tamil film 'Captain Prabhakaran', rather than using a body double.
During the audio launch of director Anbu's film Padaithalaivan, featuring Vijayakanth's son Shanmuga Pandiyan, Murugadoss fondly recounted his experiences with Vijayakanth.
"I was serving as an assistant director to R K Selvamani at the time. There was a precarious helicopter shot we needed to film. I believe Master Rocky Rajesh was the stunt choreographer. He suggested, 'This shot is dangerous; let’s use a dupe (body double) for this scene.' Vijayakanth sir promptly disagreed. He asked the choreographer, 'Why should a dupe handle this stunt? He has only one life, just like me.' Hearing this deepened my admiration for him.
"The stunt was extremely challenging, requiring him to balance on one of the helicopter's landing skids. Helicopters back then were quite different from today’s models. If he stood on one skid, we had to meticulously balance his weight on the other skid to ensure stability. At one point, we could only see Vijayakanth’s silhouette as the helicopter ascended. The risky stunt was successfully completed. Afterward, Vijayakanth asked us to inform his wife that a dupe had performed the stunt, not him. While many actors opt for body doubles or CGI for stunts, claiming they did them, Vijayakanth was unique in doing all his stunts himself while still crediting a stuntperson,” he added.
Point of View
It is imperative to celebrate figures like Captain Vijayakanth who exemplify courage and integrity in the film industry. His decision to perform dangerous stunts himself instead of resorting to body doubles showcases a remarkable blend of skill and character, setting a commendable standard for future generations in cinema.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What stunt did Captain Vijayakanth perform?
Captain Vijayakanth performed a risky helicopter stunt himself in the film 'Captain Prabhakaran'.
Who praised Vijayakanth for his bravery?
Director A R Murugadoss praised Vijayakanth for his courage and humility.
Did Vijayakanth use a body double?
No, Vijayakanth performed the stunt himself and later asked to credit a body double.
What is the significance of this story?
This story highlights Vijayakanth's dedication to authenticity in his performances and his admirable character.
Which film featured the stunt?
The stunt was featured in the iconic Tamil film 'Captain Prabhakaran'.
