The audio launch of Vijay’s Master was held on Sunday evening in a private ceremony with great fanfare. In contrast to the promotional events for Vijay’s previous films, the occasion was restricted to just cast and crew members, keeping in mind the coronavirus scare that is rampant across the country.

Also read: ‘Vaathi Raid’: Third single from Vijay’s ‘Master’ released

Vijay first ascended the stage and broke into an impromptu dance with Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and Anirudh Ravichander.

Beginning his speech with his now-famous ‘”n nenjil kudi irukkum” line, he stated that he was deeply upset that his fans couldn’t be invited to the launch.

“Due to the incidents that happened during the Bigil event (during which some fans were injured) and the safety measures followed (due to the coronavirus spread), we had to do a private event. I am sorry, and thank you as always.”

Vijay takes a selfie with the cast and crew of the film  

Praising Anirudh for an excellent score, the actor then revealed he wondered why co-star Vijay Sethupathi agreed to play the villain in Master. “Sethupathi has now become a person who cannot be ignored. I went and asked him myself why he agreed to act in this film, and he shut me down replying, ‘It’s simply because I like you very much.’ Vijay Sethupathi doesn’t just share my name, but has also given space for me in his heart.”

Vijay also returned Sethupathi’s earlier kiss on the sets, with a return smooch to his cheek at the end of the event.

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj  

He also thanked co-producers Jagdish and Lalit and his uncle Xavier Britto who is the main producer of ‘Master’, and then termed director Lokesh Kanagaraj a ‘small wonder’ : “He used to work in a bank and do short films in his free time, and then suddenly came up with such a complicated film like Maanagaram. But it took me time to adapt to his working style. When the Master shoot happened, I realised he didn’t even distribute scene papers during the shoot — I actually got vexed and thought I’ll go home! But thankfully, it all worked out. He doesn’t just have a plan, but a 'Master'plan. Smart work meets hard work, like the song goes: that’s Lokesh for you.”

Moving on to his famous ‘kutti kadhai’ that has become a customary part of every audio launch, Vijay broke into lines his song Elaam Pugazhum from Azhagiya Tamil Magan, and said, “Like the song goes, our life is also like a river. There will be people at different points who light lamps and let it float, those who sprinkle flowers, and also those who throw stones at the water. But just like the river ebbs and moved on, it’s our job to do the same. Kill them with your success, bury them will your smile,” he grinned to rapturous applause.

Also answering a question as to what he would ask his younger self, Vijay replied, “I would ask him if I could get that peaceful life back.. which was without any raids!”

He also thanked the Tamil people for the support they showed him during the Neyveli shoot of Master when the income tax department halted the film, and then finally addressing his new look for the event — a dapper tux — Vijay stated, “My designer always asks me to try changing my dressing style. Does it suit me? I thought I’ll dress like my friend Ajith for a change!”

Speaking before Vijay, the film’s antagonist, Vijay Sethupathi had thanked Vijay for including the former’s name on the poster too. “It came as a surprise to me actually. After working with him, I asked him why he doesn’t speak so much, and he replied that he prefers to stay quiet and observe others... I learnt something from that. Our vibe was established right from the first photo shoot itself — the comfort zone made a lot of sense to me.”

Vijay Sethupathi confessed he accepted the film because he 'likes Vijay a lot'  

Sethupathi also added that he’d been a fan of Vijay’s ‘cute’ expressions right from the time he was a college student. “When I kissed him at the end of the shoot, I hope he understood how much I loved him. He’s smart and shy; quick, do a close-up of him to see him blush as I say this! It’s the first time a man is making another man blush,” he laughed.

“By the way, you all need to know that I’m the actual hero in Master. If I’m the supposed ‘villain’ to Vijay, then is he not a villain to me? That makes me the hero. Master is a double-hero subject actually,” Sethupathi grinned.

He requested everyone to keep their hearts strong during the coronavirus pandemic: “I want to take this opportunity to thank the incredible work of the medical community. Don’t panic, please. Such problems will keep coming, but we need to stay resolute.”

The 96 star also had one piece of advice for the audience: “Don’t believe those who say they are the defenders of God. God has been around for thousands of years. They don’t need people to defend them. Even if someone is talking up their faith, don’t tell them that your god is better but instead offer them love and brotherhood and humanity. That’s what we can offer as people. Don’t fall for anyone who says they speak for God. Only a human being can save a fellow human being. No one from above is going to come rescue you.”

He signed off revealing that his birth name was Vijay Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu and that his late father would always remain his ‘master’ in life: “I even get drunk and yelled at my dad’s photo sometimes, asking him where he is now. I love him. He’ll always remain my biggest influence and inspiration.”

Director Lokesh has earlier said in his speech that Master would see another dimension to Vijay. “His character is quite unusual compared to his previous films. A lot of people, including my team thought the title was going to be Vaathi  — we kept the Master name secret from everyone. The three posters released so far also indicate the beginning, interval and climax of the film.”

Malavika Mohanan at the 'Master' event  

The likes of Master heroine Malavika Mohanan, producer Xavier Britto, composer Anirudh Ravichander, and other cast and crew members like actors Shanthnu Bhagyaraj, Arjun Das, cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan, action choreographer Stunt Silva, and others also took the stage during the course of the launch, that was interspersed with dance performances, include a surprise act from Vijay’s former co-star Simran.

Anirudh also revealed that the Master album initially had a total of 12 songs, but they had to settle for eight eventually. Two more songs are set to release in the coming days. The composer also thanked fellow music directors Yuvan Shankar and Santhosh Narayan for singing in the film.

Composer Anirudh Ravichander addressing the audience  

The film is set for an April 2020 release, with the dates dependent on how Kollywood reacts to tackling the spread of the coronavirus. A trailer is expected to be released shortly in the next two weeks.