Shah Rukh Khan kickstarted Jawan’s audio launch with his signature open arms pose at a pre-release event in Chennai on Wednesday in the presence of director Atlee and co-actors Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Riddhi Dogra, Sunil Grover and Sanya Malhotra.

With eight more days to go for the release of Jawan, Shah Rukh appeared at the event in a white t-shirt and blue denims to enthral his fans. “I have never attended a function for a film like this in my life. Very early on, some of the finest cinema comes from Tamil Nadu. I was lucky to have made two friends — Mani Ratnam and Santosh Sivan. Shot Chaiyya Chaiyya and worked on Dil Se. Then I got to know the wonderful Kamal Haasan and worked on Hey Ram. It was the first and last I spoke in Tamil. Then, the great Rajinikanth sir, who did one scene in Ra.One,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Taking the stage, Atlee went on to talk about Shah Rukh and his aura. “Ten years ago, we went to Bandstand for Endhiran shooting. I stood in front of Mannat. Thirteen years later, the doors of his house opened for me when he requested to meet me.” The director also spoke about the 57-year-old actor’s dedication to work and humility. “Till this second, not one decision is taken without consulting me. This opportunity has taken this film and my life to another level. He is more than my father. He is everything to me.”

Vijay Sethupathi, who plays the antagonist in Jawan, recalled meeting Shah Rukh Khan in Melbourne. “Met SRK in Melbourne. They had chairs. I was looking for mine and then found mine next to SRK. He complimented me and I was shocked! At the after-party, he said, ‘What I said about you was true.’ SRK treats people equally.”

Actor-director Kamal Haasan gave the spectators a sweet surprise at the event, leaving a special video message for Team Jawan. “This film has brought together talents from Indian cinema. Since he (Shah Rukh) acted with me, he understands Tamil. All the best for Jawan.”

Composer Anirudh Ravichander also sung the songs from Jawan at the event, prompting Shah Rukh and the other cast members to groove to the music on the stage.