It was first announced that actor Shanmugapandian Vijayakant's Padai Thalaivan with director U Anbu would be released during the Pongal holidays, only to be pushed further.

The latest update is that the film will be released in theatres on May 23.

Touted to be an action-adventure film, the earlier released trailer suggested that the plot will revolve around the male lead and the troubles created by his elephant. Late actor-politician and Shanmuga Pandian's father, Vijayakant, will be making an appearance in AI.

Director U Anbu has previously made Walter (2020) and Rekhla (2022). Padai Thalaivan is billed to be an out-and-out action thriller made in the backdrop of forests.

Apart from Shanmugapandian, the cast also features director and actor Kasthuri Raja, Yamini Chander, the granddaughter of veteran filmmaker AC Tirulokchander, Munishkanth, and Rishi Rithvik.

With music by Ilaiyaraaja, Padai Thalaivan has a screenplay and dialogues by director Parthiban Desingu. The technical team consists of cinematographer SR Sathish Kumar, editor S Elayaraja, and stunt choreography by Mahesh Mathew.