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

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

Synopsis

National award-winning director Pandiraj shares insights on the meticulous crafting of 'Thalaivan Thalaivi', revealing that he penned 18 drafts before finalizing the script. This upcoming film promises a blend of family drama and culinary culture, driven by compelling character narratives.

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.

Point of View

Pandiraj's dedication to storytelling shines through his rigorous drafting process. His ability to draw inspiration from real-life encounters and transform them into engaging narratives exemplifies his expertise and commitment to quality cinema. The anticipation surrounding 'Thalaivan Thalaivi' showcases the audience's hunger for authentic storytelling.
NationPress
17/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drafts did Pandiraj write for 'Thalaivan Thalaivi'?
Director Pandiraj wrote a total of 18 drafts before finalizing the script for 'Thalaivan Thalaivi'.
What is 'Thalaivan Thalaivi' about?
'Thalaivan Thalaivi' is a family entertainer inspired by real-life characters, exploring themes of familial bonds and cultural narratives.
Who are the lead actors in 'Thalaivan Thalaivi'?
The film features prominent actors Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen in the lead roles.
When is 'Thalaivan Thalaivi' scheduled for release?
'Thalaivan Thalaivi' is set to hit theaters on July 25.
What culinary aspect is featured in the film?
The film highlights the preparation of Kothu Parotta, a popular dish in Tamil Nadu, showcasing local culinary culture.