As filmmaker Pandiraaj is basking in the success of his recently released film Thalaivan Thalaivii, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen, he opened up on why his film, Etharkkum Thunindhavan, with Suriya, failed.

In an interview with popular TV host Gobinath on his YouTube channel, Pandiraaj said that he feels hurt to have given hit films to other actors but not to Suriya. He added, "Despite not being a commercial hit, Etharkkum Thunindhavan has collected more than what Suriya sir's last two films did."

Elaborating on his experience working with Suriya, Pandiraaj said that Etharkkum Thunindhavan was not the first story idea he pitched to the actor and the production company Sun Pictures. "I narrated a story similar to Michael Madana Kama Rajan. It was a unique script, but the production company declined to back that story. If it was made into a film, it would have surprised the industry and the fans."

Thalaivan Thalaivii was recently announced to have crossed Rs 25 crore and has grossed over Rs 10 crore worldwide.