Aishwarya Rajinikanth on Lal Salaam: We lost footage of 21 days

Aishwarya Rajinikanth's sports drama film Lal Salaam generated significant buzz prior to its release, boasting a promising cast led by Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth. However, despite high expectations, the film failed to impress audiences, sparking discussions and controversies across social media platforms. In a recent revelation, Aishwarya shed light on the challenges and tragic mishap encountered during the making of Lal Salaam.

During an interview with Cinema Vikatan, Aishwarya disclosed a grave tragedy that occurred on set, resulting in the loss of crucial footage. "It is true that we lost a lot of footage. We were shocked that something like this could even happen. It was about 21 days of footage," she revealed. The incident, attributed to irresponsibility, occurred during the filming of a cricket match scene involving a complex ten-camera setup. Despite meticulous planning, the footage from all twenty cameras was inadvertently missed, leaving the production team in disarray.

Aishwarya recounted the challenges faced by the cast and crew in the aftermath of the mishap. Despite initial considerations for reshooting the sequence, logistical constraints and the impact on the entire team led to the decision to salvage the surviving footage through extensive editing. While actors Vishnu Vishal and Rajinikanth showed willingness to reshoot the sequence, practical considerations ultimately outweighed the feasibility of such an endeavor.

Lal Salaam revolves around the intertwined lives of two promising cricketers, delving into themes of friendship, ambition, and personal sacrifice. Alongside Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth, the film features a diverse ensemble cast, including Vignesh, Livingston, Senthil, Jeevitha, KS Ravikumar, and Thambi Ramaiah. Notably, the film also includes a surprise cameo by superstar Rajinikanth, adding to its allure.

Helmed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth, Lal Salaam boasted a talented technical crew, including acclaimed composer AR Rahman and editor Pravin Baaskar. Produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under the banner of Lyca Productions, the film hit theaters on February 9, 2024, despite the challenges encountered during its production journey.