Vikram Weight Loss for Shankar's "I"

Vikram weight Loss for Shankar's "I"

In mentioning the name, Vikram, most immediately associate him with anniyan, which was released in the summer of 2005 to the joy of Vikram fans.

When The I movie was first being talked about its release in coming tamil new year festivals around the country, the talk amidst all movie-goers was Vikram's dramatic weight loss. normally weighing in at 185 pounds, it was a shock to view his body withering away in this role. He lost a staggering 62 pounds for the role. Much to my surprise, it wasn't at the advice of director, Shankar.

Shankar is quoted as saying he never requested vikram lose as much weight as he did. I was completely shocked by this because if this wasn't at the request or demand of the director, then why in the world would you care to lose that much meat off of your bones?! In reading an article about this topic, Vikram answers questions about his mind-boggling weight loss for his role as unnamed.

Vikram states that he never thought, at the time, that his dramatic weight loss would pose any health threat to his body. He is quoted as saying, "I had what could be called a kind of stupid feeling of invincibility, like, 'Oh I can do it. I can manage it.' " Thank God he did because if he didn't fill the shoes normally he wears, I don't know what I would've done. His weight loss wasn't part of a specific diet or elimination of certain foods. In fact, it was the elimination of almost all foods and a lot of exercise. His exercise did not involve any type of weight lifting. He only want to lose the fat and keep from bulking up at the same time. His goal for the movie was to look like as pencil lid. I'm sure I can vouch for everyone who will see the movie that he definitely achieved this goal. 

Vikram received little assistance in the way of medical attention except for one visit when initially beginning his weight loss. He was given information as to what types of things his body would lose, such as vitamins and minerals and that he should take supplements for a number of those things. After that, Vikram states that he was his own guide and kept going with his weight loss. As long as he still felt okay, he would continue to loss the fat. His own physical feeling was his gauge. He was told by many people working for The I movie that if he got his weight down to 140 - 145 that that would be okay too. However, because Vikram saw that he was able to handle his weight loss without much problem, that he would go ahead and lose another 20 pounds, bringing him down to the weight we see in the movie at 121 - 122. 

Vikram is documented as stating, "But I was intrigued by a perverse nature of mine just to see if I can go beyond what I've been told is actually safe and OK, and see if I could push the limits." It is said that Vikram wanted to lost another 20 pounds even after reaching 121! I'm almost positive that in profile view of his body, it would disappear before all movie-goers eyes. 

Chiyaan has said that his severe weight loss did create a change in his mood and emotions. He felt very "serene and calm" for the majority of the filming for The I movie. It didn't seem to create much problem for him until he began to bulk up for the role of Anniyan, bheema. He gained a shocking 100 pounds within the span of 3 months! He was definitely was adding a lot of stress on his body and his heart. He has that he feels good now and that he would never go as far as he did for The I movie again because at some point, it becomes stupid and more of a joke. 

Vikram has stated that he doesn't want to be "that guy" that loses weight for all his movie roles and because of that, he'll make sure to steer clear of anything that asks him to lose a third of his body weight.