Director Noah Amstrong has revealed that debutant actor Tharun Vijay underwent “gorilla-like” training to prepare for his role in the upcoming crime thriller Kuttram Pudhithu. The film, which marks Tharun’s entry into cinema, is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 29.
Tharun, who plays a food delivery boy named Kathiresan, described the character as having multiple layers that were challenging to portray in a first film. “The character is subtle and polite, but his life takes a turn after a certain incident,” he explained. “It had shades of innocence, aggressiveness, a disturbing side, at times behaving almost like a beast.” He credited the director with helping him prepare for the complex role, stating, “The director held a three-month workshop where we discussed the role extensively. That practice gave me the confidence to perform with ease.”
The film is positioned as a slow-burn thriller that gradually builds in intensity. Tharun noted that the “patiently starting film will keep audiences on the edge of their seats as it progresses.”
The cast also includes Seshvitha Kanimozhi as the female lead, alongside Madhusudan Rao, Nizhalgal Ravi, and Priyadharshini Rajkumar. Priyadharshini, who plays Tharun’s mother, commented on the debutant’s performance, stating, “Tharun has shown his full acting ability without any hesitation. He will definitely go to the next level.”
Kuttram Pudhithu is the first film from production house GKR Cine Arts, produced by S. Karthikeyan, who is also Tharun’s father. The film will be distributed in Tamil Nadu and Kerala by Uthra Productions. Director Perarasu, who was a guest at the event, noted the unconventional choice of a thriller for a debut, rather than a more typical commercial launch.