Can a 103-Year-Old Indian Fight? Director Shankar Explains

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the sequel to the 1996 film 'Bharatiyadu' titled 'Indian 2' is ready to hit the silver screens on July 12th. The film, directed by the enigmatic Shankar and starring the legendary Kamal Haasan, has already piqued the audience's interest with its recently released trailer. However, a debate has erupted on social media regarding the believability of Kamal Haasan performing action sequences, considering his character's age.

The crux of the debate lies in the character's age progression. In the prequel, Senapati, played by Haasan, was portrayed as a 75-year-old man. By that logic, he would be 103 years old in 2024. Can a man of that age realistically perform martial arts feats? This is the question that has many moviegoers scratching their heads.

Director Shankar, known for his larger-than-life visuals and storytelling, dismisses such concerns. He argues that Senapati shouldn't be viewed as a mere mortal but as a superhero, whose extraordinary abilities transcend the limitations of age. Shankar points to real-life examples like Lu Zijian, a 108-year-old martial arts master from China, as proof that dedication and discipline can defy the boundaries of human aging.

Kamal Haasan, ever the dedicated actor, admits to the challenges of wearing heavy prosthetics for roles like Senapati. However, he emphasizes that a compelling story and a visionary director like Shankar make the effort worthwhile. Haasan assures fans that the story of 'Indian 2' will be captivating enough to justify any physical transformation he undergoes.