Vijay Sethupathi played the lead role in Balaji Tharnidharan’s 2018 film. Sithakathi In an event for bathDirected by Balaji and released in theaters on October 1, the actor recalled with a laugh how the filmmaker initially wanted to cast Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, or Kamal Haasan in Seethakthi, even though Sethupathi was with him.
Vijay Sethupathi said, “When we were doing sitkathi, He said, ‘It would be good if Kamal sir did it, it would be good if Amitabh Bachchan sir did it, it would be good if Mohanlal sir did it.’ I thought, ‘Damn, I’m right here with him.'”
He jokingly added, “The street dog in our neighborhood walks around happily and seems cute. Still, people only like German Shepherds. What to do? It was like… Hey, one could take it as a mistake. There’s nothing like that! I mean I was close to him like a local.”
The actor then recalled how 96 And Sithakathi Around the same time came and how he had to decide that he wanted to make his 25th film.
“At that time, both 96 And Sithakathi came up It was a question of which film to announce as my 25th film.
“I really liked it.” 96, without a doubt I knew the film would definitely do well. I didn’t expect such a huge success, but I knew the film would do well. However, I wanted to Sithakathi It will be my 25th film. Because this art… I don’t even know how to put it. In the times we live in, being part of the crowd, we can, like a bird, look down on society and the changes taking place around us.”
When discussions were going on for #Seethakathi, Balaji told me, “It would be great if #KamalHaasan did it, #Amitabh Bachchan did it…” I was like, “I’m with you.” Street dogs are cute and super, but still, if they prefer German Shepherd dogs, what can we do? I’m not saying this in a bad way. I’m saying I was with him and the local guy, but eventually the film got to me during that time. When #96Movie and #Seethakathi came up, there was a discussion about who I should announce as my 25th film. I really liked the #96 movie. I knew the film would be a hit and do well, but I didn’t expect it to be such a big hit. I wanted #Seethakathi to be my 25th film because this film represents art. When we live, we can be with people and witness art as well as see changes from an eagle’s perspective. Change is caused by art, and the film has a character who represents that art. He has written the character very well. Once I got the role, I thought it was a huge blessing. – #Vijay Sethupathi https://t.co/mcfTyT2j2j
— Movies Singapore (@MoviesSingapore) October 6, 2026
Elaborating on the importance of art in Seethakathi and his character, Vijay added, “I think art is the reason for a lot of change. There is a character who represents that art. Someone had conceived and written that beautifully. So, when I got that character, I considered it a great blessing. Things like that…”
Talking about battha, The film also stars Lijomol Jose in the lead role.
Also read: bath X Review: Vijay Sethupathi Is ‘Soulful’, Child Actor Says ‘Major Plus’