When Bharathiraja broke down emotionally because of Rajinikanth’s dedication, Vairamuthu recalls emotional memory from ’16 Vayathinile’ shoot
Legendary lyricist Vairamuthu has recounted a heart-warming incident that happened during the making of his evergreen movie ’16 Vayathinile,’ featuring Rajinikanth, Bharathiraj, Sridevi, and K. Bhagyaraj. His emotional message on social media resonated well with cinema lovers, especially as the Tamil film industry continues to remember the immense contributions of Bharathiraja and Bhagyaraj. The incident offers a rare glimpse into the dedication and passion that went into making one of Tamil cinema’s most celebrated films and the people behind it.
Vairamuthu reveals an emotional incident from the shoot
Vairamuthu recalled a particular scene in which Sridevi’s character had to spit on Rajinikanth’s character after an argument in which Parattai had beaten up Chappani. Initially, the team tried using soap foam to create the effect, but the results looked unconvincing. At that point, Rajinikanth reportedly stepped forward and said, “Please spit on me for real.” However, Sridevi immediately refused, saying, “No, I can’t do that,” and walked away. Rajinikanth then turned to director Bharathiraja and told him, “The scene should look real. You do it.” Although Bharathiraja was hesitant at first, he eventually agreed and spat on Rajinikanth’s face to make the scene appear as realistic as possible. The shot ultimately turned out exactly as the director had envisioned.
Bharathiraja could not hold back his tears
The moment didn’t end with the camera cut. Vairamuthu recalled that Bharathiraja was overwhelmed by Rajinikanth’s total commitment to the sequence. The director was overcome with emotion, hugged the actor, wiped his face with a handkerchief, and burst into tears. Vairamuthu said the scene was an emotional portrayal of the relationship between an actor and a director dedicated to making memorable films. He summed up Rajinikanth’s approach with a powerful line: “Acting is not only acting, but it is dedication. The post has resonated with many fans who have applauded the Superstar for going the extra mile to ensure authenticity.
Bhagyaraj witnessed the moment that became history
Vairamuthu also said that K. Bhagyaraj, who was working as Bharathiraja’s assistant director at that time, had a close view of the entire incident. This incident was documented while writing the foreword to Bhagyaraj’s autobiography and was a treasured memory from the golden era of Tamil cinema, said the lyricist. The post has been widely shared by fans, who hailed it as a beautiful reminder of the work that went into making ‘16 Vayathinile’ a timeless classic. The story has gained even more emotional value as it celebrates the legacy of Bharathiraja and Bhagyaraj, whose contributions continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and movie lovers alike.
