Actor Vijay Sethupathi looked back on the evolution of his friendship with filmmaker Mysskin at the teaser and audio launch of Train, revealing that he had initially kept his distance from the director before becoming one of his biggest admirers.

Speaking at the event, Vijay Sethupathi admitted that his first impression of Mysskin was shaped by the filmmaker's eccentric personality. "When I used to go for auditions as a junior artiste, I had seen him around. Even after I became a hero, he called me for a film. But I always thought he was a bit of a psycho," he said with a laugh, adding that he would visit the director's office only to apologise and tell him he had no dates.

However, watching Mysskin's Psycho completely changed his perspective. Sethupathi said he immediately called the filmmaker to tell him how much he loved the film. "Whenever I watch a film I really like, I enjoy speaking to the director. I like discussing whether I understood the film correctly and how much I was able to grasp from it," he said.

The actor recalled that what was meant to be a conversation turned into an eight-hour interaction. The two discussed cinema at length, celebrated together afterwards, and Mysskin even gifted him a watch. Sethupathi said that meeting marked the beginning of their friendship. He added that they first collaborated briefly on Pisaasu 2 before embarking on Train, describing the experience of working with Mysskin as unlike any other.

According to Sethupathi, the atmosphere on the Train sets was "like a wedding," with the filmmaker ensuring there was constant energy among the cast and crew. He particularly praised Mysskin for introducing a daily reward system, where the best-performing actor and a technician or junior artiste would each receive Rs 1,000.

"The money isn't important—that's secondary," Sethupathi said. Instead, he noted that the recognition mattered more, as the awards were presented in front of the entire unit, making every recipient feel celebrated. He added that this encouraged everyone on set to give their best every day. The actor also praised Mysskin for appreciating good performances on the spot. "Every single day, the set felt like a celebration. Sometimes I'd even wonder whether they were really clapping because I had acted well," he joked.

Calling Mysskin a filmmaker who looks after everyone around him, Sethupathi said he freely shares both his knowledge and affection with those he works with. While audiences may eventually watch Train as a thriller, the actor said making it was "a very romantic journey" for the team and one filled with cherished memories.

Directed by Mysskin, Train marks his first collaboration with Vijay Sethupathi. The long-delayed action thriller stars Shruti Haasan, Narain, Sampath Raj, Nasser, KS Ravikumar, Kalaiyarasan and others. Produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu under the V Creations banner, the film has music composed by Mysskin himself. A release date is yet to be announced.