Did Director Pandiraj Really Write 18 Drafts of 'Thalaivan Thalaivi'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pandiraj emphasizes the importance of script refinement, writing 18 drafts.
- The film is inspired by real-life encounters and explores how different choices could change outcomes.
- Anticipation for 'Thalaivan Thalaivi' has been heightened by its intriguing teaser.
- Features a mix of family dynamics and cultural elements.
- Set to release on July 25, promising engaging performances.
Chennai, July 17 (NationPress) National award-winning director Pandiraj, known for his upcoming family entertainer 'Thalaivan Thalaivi', featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen in lead roles, has revealed that he meticulously refined the film's script 18 times before arriving at its final version.
In a conversation with IANS during an event organized by the film's production team, Pandiraj shared that the story was inspired by two individuals he encountered at a family occasion. 'The narrative is influenced by two characters I met while visiting my ancestors' temple for my son's birthday. You cannot create a film merely based on real events. Hence, this film explores what might have occurred if different choices were made. I initially aimed for simplicity, but as I wrote, the story evolved into something more complex.'
Pandiraj emphasized his continuous efforts in refining the script, stating, 'There were 18 drafts leading to the final script, and the entire process took nearly a year.'
Anticipation for the film has soared among fans and cinema enthusiasts following the release of a title teaser a few days ago.
The teaser begins with the sound of voices amidst the backdrop of a heated restaurant pan. The hero's mother assures the heroine, 'You don’t need to cook, daughter-in-law. We will treat you like royalty.' The hero's sister then tells the heroine, referred to as Arasi (Queen), 'Don’t worry, Arasi. You can lose anyone for my brother.'
Vijay Sethupathi’s voice follows, 'You’ve left your parents to be with me because you like me. Just watch! I will treat you like a queen, making your parents wish they had cared for you better.'
The visuals then show Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen preparing Kothu Parotta, a popular dish in Tamil Nadu. Nithya questions, 'Is this how you treat a queen?' To which he responds, 'If you don’t like it, you can go back to your father’s palace.' She retorts, claiming her home is a palace, leading to a playful banter.
The film, set to release on July 25, features cinematography by M Sukumar, art direction by Veerasamar, and editing by Pradeep E Ragav. The action sequences are crafted by Kalai Kingson and also stars Yogi Babu in a significant role.