section_path: Production/Casting
section_name: Casting
paragraph_text: Casting
  
  Haasan would sport several looks, one of which resembles his short hairstyle from Sathyaa (1988). The name of his character, Rangaraya Sakthivel, is a reference to his role as Sakthivel Naicker from Nayakan. In early November 2023, Dulquer Salmaan, Ravi Mohan, and Trisha Krishnan were announced as part of the cast. Shortly afterwards, Gautham Karthik, Joju George, and Aishwarya Lekshmi were confirmed to be part of the film in early January 2024. However, Dulquer was reported to have opted out in March due to scheduling conflicts, followed by reports of Ravi opting out as well. The departure of these actors, along with Gautham's, were confirmed in May when their names were omitted from a post by the production house.
  
  Silambarasan was brought onboard, marking his first collaboration with Haasan and his second with Ratnam after Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018). The actor was initially approached for Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan, but eventually was not finalised due to scheduling conflicts. Silambarasan recalled on his admiration for Haasan during his childhood, as his "on screen guru" and added that working with the actor was a "special feeling". His character in the film, balances both "classy, performance-oriented Simbu" as well as a "raw and stylish" version of the actor. Ashok Selvan was confirmed to have been brought onboard. He called it a "dream come true" moment on working with the director, while also recalling on he had been auditioned for the director's Kadal (2013), which he was not selected.
  
  Sanya Malhotra would make her Tamil debut with this film. Although it was originally believed that she would have a major role, Ratnam confirmed her role was limited to the song "Jingucha". He explained that since the film is set in Delhi, and the need for a North Indian actress, resulted in her casting. Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Vaiyapuri were present at the film's preliminary shooting, although Tripathi later denied being part of the cast. In June 2024, it was announced that Rohit Saraf had joined the film. In July 2024, Abhirami and Nassar were also cast in prominent roles, with the former stating that she would be paired opposite Haasan, reuniting with him after Virumaandi (2004). Sanjana Krishnamoorthy, who worked as an assistant director in the film, would also appear in a brief role.
  
  Haasan would sport several looks, one of which resembles his short hairstyle from Sathyaa (1988). The name of his character, Rangaraya Sakthivel, is a reference to his role as Sakthivel Naicker from Nayakan. In early November 2023, Dulquer Salmaan, Ravi Mohan, and Trisha Krishnan were announced as part of the cast. Shortly afterwards, Gautham Karthik, Joju George, and Aishwarya Lekshmi were confirmed to be part of the film in early January 2024. However, Dulquer was reported to have opted out in March due to scheduling conflicts, followed by reports of Ravi opting out as well. The departure of these actors, along with Gautham's, were confirmed in May when their names were omitted from a post by the production house.
  
  Silambarasan was brought onboard, marking his first collaboration with Haasan and his second with Ratnam after Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018). The actor was initially approached for Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan, but eventually was not finalised due to scheduling conflicts. Silambarasan recalled on his admiration for Haasan during his childhood, as his "on screen guru" and added that working with the actor was a "special feeling". His character in the film, balances both "classy, performance-oriented Simbu" as well as a "raw and stylish" version of the actor. Ashok Selvan was confirmed to have been brought onboard. He called it a "dream come true" moment on working with the director, while also recalling on he had been auditioned for the director's Kadal (2013), which he was not selected.
  
  Sanya Malhotra would make her Tamil debut with this film. Although it was originally believed that she would have a major role, Ratnam confirmed her role was limited to the song "Jingucha". He explained that since the film is set in Delhi, and the need for a North Indian actress, resulted in her casting. Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Vaiyapuri were present at the film's preliminary shooting, although Tripathi later denied being part of the cast. In June 2024, it was announced that Rohit Saraf had joined the film. In July 2024, Abhirami and Nassar were also cast in prominent roles, with the former stating that she would be paired opposite Haasan, reuniting with him after Virumaandi (2004). Sanjana Krishnamoorthy, who worked as an assistant director in the film, would also appear in a brief role.