Debutant director Rishi had the surprise of his life when producer Sathish Chandra not only gave the green to his script, but also asked him to play the lead role. He chose the title, 143, which in young people's parlance denotes the phrase, 'I Love You'. The love story is set against the backdrop of a village. “A lot of it also unfolds in the hustle and bustle of Tiruchi," says the director.

A product of the Adyar Film Institute, Rishi made two short films before getting his chance to make a feature film. "I had my share of frustrating moments, but finally, found someone who believed in me. Sathish really liked my narration."

Rishi says it was Rajinikanth's character in the film, Manithan, that inspired him to write a script about a protagonist born on amavasai (new moon day). "The female lead is born on a pournami (full moon day). When love blossoms between these two persons, all hell is let loose in the village."

143 also features debutante Nakshathra and Priyanka Sharma, and has music by Vijaya Bhaskar.