Captain Jagadish in Thuppakki, directed by AR Murugadoss, is one of Vijay's most iconic roles. The film has an interval block with a line—"I'm waiting!"—that has since been referenced in multiple films, including the superstar's own projects. Recently, Shankara Narayanan, the actor who played his father in the 2012 film, reminisced about his experience working with him after he has become the CM of Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to Mathrubhumi, Shankara Narayanan said that he was surprised when he was offered a role in Thuppakki. "They called me and asked me, 'We have a father role in the film. Are you interested?' I asked, 'Whose father would I play?' They told me, 'Vijay's father'. I thought they were making fun of me," the actor said.

Shankara Narayanan described Vijay as "a cool, silent and soft" person. "He comes to life only during the shot. Further, he is very cordial and behaves very well to everyone on set. He does not treat anyone as a big or small person."

Shankara Narayanan added that he thought his co-star would go to the caravan for some rest and would come back for the next shot during breaks in filming. "However, I did not see him do that. He would come to our room and talk to us as well. He is that simple."

The actor also remembered a compliment he received from the superstar for his work in Thuppakki. Their first scene together takes place at a railway station, as the father welcomes Captain Jagadish as he comes home on a vacation from the Army. "The next day, we had a different shot, where our characters travel in a taxi. Before that shot, he told me, 'Your acting was really good yesterday at that station crowd.' I thanked him. What else can I tell him? For a big star such as him, he did not have to give me that compliment. However, it is a big thing that he made that keen observation and showed the appreciation. I also did not see the ego of a big star in him. He is an actor with a professional approach."