It’s no secret that Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff are collaborating to bring back an iconic, almost forgotten franchise. Their bond, which looked ill-thought at first, was given its first real thumbs up with a startlingly high-energy performance at the opening ceremony of IPL, 2024.
1. Bade miyan Akshay Kumar & Chote miyan Tiger Shroff's massy entry
Both Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff entered the field on motorbikes, with the tricolour in hand. They then proceeded to take a survey of the entire field, encouraging the Chepauk crowd to join in. It’s easy to forget that Kumar is pushing 60, but he looks as fit as a fiddle. The duo danced on songs like Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, Main Tera Hero, Hare Ram Hare Krishna, and Mast Malang. To star alongside is one thing, but to match the much younger Shroff step for step, and in high-adrenaline action proves Kumar’s longevity as a consummate performer. No wonder the Chepauk crowd was in awe of the duo’s breathless performance.
Powerhouse@iTIGERSHROFF starts the #TATAIPL Opening Ceremony with his energetic performance pic.twitter.com/8HsssiKNPO— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2024
2. An exhilarating combination
When news first hit the circuit that Shroff and Kumar would reprise roles previously essayed by the erratic but fascinating pairing of Govinda and Amitabh Bachchan, there was doubt, maybe even puzzlement over the decision to bring two actors, who though similar in working ethics and body specifics, bring wildly different qualities to the table. But if the energy and thrill of this performance is anything to go by, chances are the much awaited, and maybe even maligned film will actually pull off the impossible – satisfy fans of the original.
ElectrifyingChennai erupts in joy as @akshaykumar leaves his mark at the #TATAIPL Opening Ceremony pic.twitter.com/TMuedfuvyU
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2024
3. AR Rahman made time stand still
The maestro enthralled his hometown with a riveting performance that took you on a tour of a beloved, unforgettable past.
It’s no secret that Chennai Super Kings is one of the few franchises in the IPL to have built a loyal fan following. Much of it has to do with MS Dhoni, a winning mentality and the all-together geniality of a club that feeds off feel-good energies. But to that meticulously crafted self-image there is the added cultural bonus of someone like A R Rahman, stamping the yards where he learned to first walk.
A Musical Mystery@arrahman has left everyone in awe of his brilliance at the #TATAIPL Opening Ceremony pic.twitter.com/tbiiROXdog— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2024
4. Sonu Nigam, Mohit Chauhan & Neeti Mohan
Sonu Nigam and Chauhan have collaborated with Rahman in the past – the latter to iconic effect – performing popular ballads to a rapt audience. It was the kind of confluence of craft and nostalgia that perfect wedding days are made of. In essence, it’s the kind of romanticism this opening ceremony pines to create. It’s exactly what the Chennai crowd wished for, and responded to with loud, approving cheers.
Neeti Mohan's energetic fist pumping was echoed by the crowd at Chepauk - most of them in No. 7 jerseys.
Chennai grooves to the melodies of Sonu Nigam during the Opening Ceremony#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/jVnlskQKQj— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2024
5. The Chaiya Chaiya Encore
The song that has been discussed, documented and dissected by people across the world, remains maybe Rahman’s most iconic tune. There was no train in sight, nor the grandiose risks of filming a near impossible performance, but Rahman could still find a way to get people off of their seats. An A R Rahman performance is near unmissable as a principle, but as the curtain raiser for one of the most anticipated sporting events of the calendar year, it’s the perfect entrée. Even the cricket has a high bar to live up to after this.
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