Kamal, along with his brother Chandra, produced the film. He also wrote, directed and played the main role.

He said he wanted to convey the message of non-violence through a violent film. Virumaandi is an extremely violent film -- full of blood, gory deaths, mutilated bodies and abusive language. But the film does convey the intended message. It is gripping and well executed.

What is interesting is the film's narrative. The story of Virumaandi is told in flashback through the eyes of two people, Virumaandi (Haasan) and Kotthalathevar (Pasupathy), both lodged in the Chennai central jail.

The film did excellent business. Kamal also won a couple of international awards.

Design: Uday Kuckian | Text: Shobha Warrier