The first single from Mari Selvaraj's upcoming film Vaazhai, 'Thenkizhakku', got released on Thursday.

The song, composed by Santhosh Narayanan, written by Yugabharathi, and sung by Dhee, is about a young school kid who looks up to his teacher. Though the lines don't directly allude to the healthy rapport shared by the teacher and the student, they send out a motivating message that things will get better from now on, hinting that the kid might have faced some trouble before.

The film stars Kalaiyarasan, Nikhila Vimal, and Priyanka Nair, among others. With this film, Mari Selvaraj is debuting as a producer.

Vaazhai’s technical team includes Theni Eswar as the cinematographer, while Suriya Pradhaman will handle the editing. Santhosh Narayanan, who has worked with Mari in Karnan and Pariyerum Perumal, will compose music for Vaazhai as well.

Mari Selvaraj last made Maamannan, which starred Udhayanidhi Stalin, Keerthy Suresh, Vadivelu, and Fahadh Faasil in prominent roles. The director is also working with actors Dhruv Vikram and Anupama Parameswaran on sports-drama Bison Kaalamaadan.

First schedule shoot of the film, that also stars Lal, Pasupathy, Rajisha Vijayan, Hari Krishnan, Azhagam Perumal, and Aruvi Madhanand Kalaiyarasan, was wrapped a few weeks ago.

The film is based on the real-life story of the Arjuna Award-winning Kabaddi player, Manathi Ganesan.

Vaazhai will get a theatrical release on August 23.