Legendary lyricist Vairamuthu has recounted a touching incident that happened during the making of his perennial film ’16 Vayathinile’, with RajinikanthBharathiraj, Sridevietc K. Bhagyaraj. His emotional message on social media resonated well with film lovers, especially as the Tamil film industry continues to remember the immense contributions of Bharathiraja and Bhagyaraj. The incident offers a rare insight into the dedication and passion that went into making one of Tamil cinema’s most famous films and the people behind it.
Vairamuthu reveals an emotional incident from the shoot
Vairamuthu recalled a particular scene where Sridevi’s character had to spit on Rajinikanth’s character after an argument in which Parattai had hit Chappani. Initially, the team tried using soap suds to create the effect, but the results didn’t seem convincing. 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 left. Rajinikanth then addressed the director Bharathiraja and told him, “The scene should look real. Do it.” Although Bharathiraja was hesitant at first, he eventually agreed and spat in Rajinikanth’s face to make the scene look as realistic as possible. In the end, the plan turned out exactly as the director had imagined.
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 moved, 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 just acting, it’s dedication. The post has resonated with many fans applauding 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 the time, had a close-up view of the entire incident. This incident was documented while writing the foreword of Bhagyaraj’s autobiography and was a cherished memory of the golden era of Tamil cinema, said the lyricist. The post has been widely shared by fans, who have 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 film lovers.