Actor-politician Kamal Haasan, along with Pooja Kumar, was at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai on Sunday, for a special screening of Vishwaroopam 2, where he encouraged youngsters to join the Indian Army and serve the country.
“I will be very happy if my films and encouragement push them in the right direction,” he said.
A major portion of Vishwaroopam 2 was filmed at the academy and the actor thanked them for their support. “I have had a long association with them, a bond that was formed more than 30 years ago. I had trained here while I was preparing for Marudhanayakam,” he said. Kamal also said that the academy not only helped him by permitting him to shoot inside the campus, but also helped with some of the officers who acted in the film.
The actor had in fact had mentioned the academy in a tweet back in December 2017 when he was shooting for the film.
Shooting for Vishwaroopam 2 and Hindi Vishwaroop 2. Last stint. Exciting. OTA CHENNAI makes the nation & me proud. The only Academy that trains Lady officers in India. I Salute the ladies and especially my most favourite lady ..India. Maa tuje Salaam. pic.twitter.com/Ym8wFagQdJ
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) November 30, 2017
Talking about the experience at the academy, Haasan said, “I have learnt a lot even though I’ve only been here to train for short periods. My heart fills with pride every time I step into the campus.”
Vishwaroopam 2 that released last Friday revolves around Major Wisam Ahmad Kashmiri, who is now a RAW agent. The film also stars Andrea Jeremiah, Pooja Kumar, Rahul Bose and Shekhar Kapur. The film has opened to mixed reviews.
Vishwaroopam 2 Review: Wisam Ahmad Kashmiri Gets His Roots, But Do We Care?
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When questioned about the film not releasing in some parts of Tamil Nadu, he assured that the film will be reaching everyone soon. According to The New Indian Express, the film has earned approximately Rs 9 crores on the opening day, marking it to be this year’s third biggest Kollywood opener after Kaala (Rs 21.7 crores gross) and Thaana Serndha Koottam (Rs 10 crores gross).
The actor also thanked his fans for ensuring that he’s still acting in films and expressed his happiness over the response that Vishwaroopam 2 received. Incidentally, August 12 also marked 59 years of his acting career – he had made his debut with Kalathur Kanamma in 1960.