Vijay Sethupathi and director Pandiraj have revealed that their collaboration on the upcoming film Thalaivan Thalaivii came after a period where neither wanted to work with the other. The family entertainer, which also stars Nithya Menen, is scheduled for a worldwide release on July 25.
Speaking at a gathering for the film, Vijay described the reconciliation as a natural and unexpected turn of events. “There was a time when he didn’t want to work with me, and I didn’t want to work under his direction,” he stated. “There was no personal anger between us. Like a small flower blooms naturally at a beautiful moment, the anger between us disappeared, and love blossomed.” He described the collaboration as completing a “huge circle,” noting that he has known Pandiraj since 2009.
Director Pandiraj explained that the film’s story is based on a real couple he encountered at a temple, which inspired the characters of Akasa Veeran and Perarasi. He described the lead roles as complex and unpredictable, making them challenging for any actor. “This character [Akasa Veeran] cannot be done by all heroes. Only Vijay Sethupathi can do it,” Pandiraj asserted. He offered similar praise for his female lead, stating, “This is the first time in 11 films that I got the heroine I wanted. I asked for Nithya Menen, and she is in the film.”
Pandiraj also expressed his belief that the film, which he describes as a “Tom and Jerry love story” that explores the topic of divorce, will have a significant social impact. “After this film is released, many who have approached the court for divorce will think again,” he said. “I believe this film will provide that moment of reflection.”
The film marks Vijay’s first collaboration with production house Sathya Jyothi Films, a banner he noted for its legacy, which includes the 1982 Kamal Haasan-starrer Moondram Pirai. Producer Senthil Thiyagarajan highlighted Vijay’s growing international profile, stating, “His fame has now spread to China. His film Maharaja has collected the equivalent of eighty crore rupees there. In Hong Kong, he is as famous as Hollywood actor Denzel Washington.”
Nithya Menen, reflecting on the on-set atmosphere, said, “Working on this film was one of the happiest experiences of my life. Everyone worked together on the same wavelength, without any ego.”