Director M Saravanan, best known for directing Engeyum Eppothum (2011) and Ivan Vera Mathiri (2013), revealed that the idea for his next film, Naadu, sparked from a real-life incident that he witnessed in Kolli hills.

During the film's press meet, M. Saravanan said, "Characters in films these days are shown as being sharp, quick-witted and street smart. We have departed from this norm and made a film about simple people."

The director, who is known for making socially responsible films, said that the spark for this film came: "Several years ago. I had gone to the Kolli hills. An incident I witnessed there had a profound impact on me for a long time. I decided to make it into a script and that is how Naadu happened."

The film, which features Bigg Boss title winner Tharshan and Mahima Nambiar in the lead roles, will discuss the difficult lives that those living in the hills lead.

The film's first look was revealed recently and the release date is yet to be announced.