Actor Sasikumar, who plays the lead in Tharai Thappattai, says the film will have a happy ending, despite being a Bala-directed film. Sasikumar plays Sannasi, a music troupe owner. Speaking at the reporter’s meet, Sasikumar said, “I own the troupe, so if any musician can’t make it to an event, I would have to take up their role at the concert. Set in Tanjore, the film is based entirely on the life of folk artists.” Tharai Thappattai will release during the Pongal festival, and will face box-office competition from Kathakali, Gethu and Rajini Muruganrt.
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who plays Sooravali, a Karagattam dancer in Sasikumar’s troupe has called Tharai Thappattai a dream project. She said, “After Podaa Podi, this will be my second Tamil film. Many directors rejected me saying that I wouldn’t be able to portray ‘village belle’ roles. Actress Sangeetha introduced me to Bala sir and after the screen tests, I was selected to play the female lead. I’ve always wanted to play village roles.”
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The film’s background music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja even before shooting began. Sasikumar said, “Usually, re-recording is done after the entire film has been shot. In Tharai Thappattai, it was the other way around. We were asked to emote according to the mood of the scene and the BGM. It was a different experience and helped us get into character.”
Although Sasikumar produced the venture under B Studios, he said, “I don’t want my name in any of the posters as I wanted Tharai Thappattai to be my guru (Bala’s) film all way.”