Sasikumar appreciates Shanmuga Pandian's hard work at Padai Thalaivan audio launch

Sasikumar was among the special guests at the audio launch of Padai Thalaivan, the Shanmuga Pandian starrer from director U Anbu. The Tourist Family star spoke highly of the film's lead actor Shanmuga Pandian. "I wanted to do a film with Vijayakanth but could not do it. I am thinking about doing one with his son (Shanmuga Pandian). When I was planning to do Kutra Parambarai for HotStar (now JioHotstar), a black actor was necessary for a character. That was when I came across Shanmuga Pandian's Instagram profile," said the Subramaniapuram fame actor-director.

He went on to add, "I have seen Madura Veeran before, when he was quite fat. However, when I saw on him Instagram, he looked leaner and taller, and his body looked beautiful. I asked him 'How did you achieve this?' He replied, 'Sir, I worked hard for a few months to reduce my body weight'. I really liked it. I instantly thought 'Only he could do this character' and asked him for a test shoot. I shot his eyes first and was instantly reminded of Vijayakanth sir."

Sasikumar further stated that he did a trailer shot with Shanmuga Pandian in Andhra Pradesh with the latter sporting long hair. "He had to run along a river, without footwear, with a horse. The horse and he looked the same and ran at similar speed! I still regret about the non-release of the trailer," said Sasikumar. He also commented that Shanmuga Pandian's makeover for the trailer of Madura Veeran played a key part in Padai Thalaivan director Anbu casting him in the film. The actor-filmmaker said that Anbu and he had Shanmuga Pandian's dates split for their respective projects. "Actors usually get another film after the release of one. Your biggest victory lies in the fact that these many directors are doing films with you in the lead role simultaneously. It is a sign of your dedication," Sasikumar said about Shanmuga Pandian.