Pudhupettai, the 2006 gangster drama, written and directed by Selvaraghavan, with Dhanush in the lead, is set to re-release in theatres on July 26. The film was was the director's third collaboration with Dhanush, and his second as a director.
The film follows the journey of a troubled youth Kokki Kumar (Dhanush), who runs away from his house after his father murders his mother. He becomes associated with gangsters and in turn the world of politics after a wrongful arrest. The film's portrayal of violence and gore was pushed the conventional limits, in 2006.
Apart from the Dhanush, the cast of the film also includes Sonia Agarwal, Sneha, Azhagam Perumal, Prudhvi Raj, Nithish Kumar, and Munnar Ramesh. Pudhupettai, was also one of the earliest on screen appearances of actor Vijay Sethupathi, who broke through with 2012's Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom.
Beyond the performances, the soundtrack by Yuvan Shankar Raja, has also garnered continouous appreciation. The late lyricist, Na Muthukumar, has written the lyrics for all songs. Songs like 'Enga Yeriya', 'Variya', and 'Oru Naalil', has become cult classics. 'Oru Naalil', which featured Yuvan's vocals, was also featured in the soundtrack for the Kavin-starrer Star. Actor Kamal Haasan also sung a song, 'Neruppu Vaayinil', for the film.
Selvaraghavan and Dhanush, who started collaborating with Thulluvadho Ilamai, went on to collaborate in films like Kadhal Kondein, Mayakkam Enna, and most recently on Naane Varuvean.
When it was released the film was noted for its cinematography, and grossed in an average manner in the box office.