15 Years of Thimiru: Four interesting facts about the film

Vishal’s Thimiru (2006) was an action entertainer written and directed by Tarun Gopi. The film had Vishal, Reema Sen, Sriya Reddy, Manoj K Jayan, IM Vijayan and Vadivelu as part of the star cast. Music for the film was by Yuvan Shankar Raja. While the cinematography was by Priyan, editing was by VT Vijayan. The film was one of the top-grossing ones at the Box office that year.

Former Indian football team captain IM Vijayan, who retired from the sport, had tested waters in acting with the Malayalam film Shantham, directed by Jayaraj. He made his Tamil debut with Thimiru. The actor played a negative role in it and was lauded for his performance. He later starred in films like Gethu, Komban, Ganesha Meendum Santhippom and Bigil.

Popular VJ-turned-actor Sriya Reddy, who had made her debut in Samurai (2002), played a negative role in the film. Her character Easwari was a rustic, loud woman with shades of grey. Her performance in the film was widely appreciated. She later went on to act in films like Veyil, Pallikkoodam, Kanchivaram, Sila Samayangalil and Aaandava Kaanom

The film marked the directorial debut of Tarun Gopi. Tarun had worked as assistants of director Sakthi Chidambaram and Upendra. His debut venture was widely appreciated for its entertaining packaging. The director, we hear, was also very particular that he cast Sriya Reddy in a negative character. He later made STR’s Kaalai. He also tested waters in acting in Maayaandi Kudumbathaar and Kanniyum Kaalaiyum Sema Kadhai.

Vishal, who had assisted Arjun in Vedham, signed his first acting venture in Gandhi Krishna’s Chellamae opposite Reema Sen. Though he emerged as an action hero in Sandakozhi, the film Thimiru established himself as as the fastest rising action star. Vishal received a lot of praise for his portrayal. The film marked the coming together of Vishal with his maiden co-star Reema.