It took two to three years preparation for the film, the screenplay was rewritten a few times. Producer R. Mohan wanted to name the film "Aadu Thoma" which he felt was more appealing to the public. But Bhadran wanted to name it "Spadikam". The character Thomas Chacko / Aadu Thoma was based on three real-life ruffians who lived around Pala, one of them was known by the nickname "irattachankan" (the man with two hearts), another one used to remove his mundu to wrap his opponent's head for hitting, and the third one had a downfall during his peaks period. Bhadran said he considered Mohanlal the best choice for the role because the character was not only alpha male but also innocent and had self pity, he can emote all these. Shobana was first offered the role of Thulasi, but she could not sign the film as she had to leave for the United States for a dance program she already committed. Urvashi was cast in the role. Later Bhadran said that after watching the film he realized Urvashi was in fact the right choice for the role.