In September 1986, Haasan gave his schedule dates for the film to Srinivasan, and was paid 1.75 million (US$145,583 in 1987) for playing Velu. Ratnam wanted Haasan to have as realistic a look as possible. He preferred Haasan in traditional Hindu attire. Haasan was initially hesitant regarding his look and wanted to sport a beard similar to that of his old-aged look in "Sagara Sangamam" (1983), as he felt it would not give away his jaw line, which would reveal that the character was portrayed by a younger person. Ratnam, in turn, did not want Haasan to sport a look similar to "Sagara Sangamam" or any of his other previous films. Haasan ultimately sported dentures to provide some weight around his jaw for Velu's old-age look.