Ratnam believes that Nassar was suggested to him by Haasan, when Raghuvaran was being considered for the role of the Assistant Commissioner Patil. Nassar shot for six days and had initially believed there was nothing special in his role. He later admitted his surprise of the reach of his character post-release. Haasan wanted Tinnu Anand for the role of Ajit, the son of Inspector Kelkar (Pradeep Shakthi). Anand was reluctant since he wanted to focus on his career as a director, but after Haasan insisted and said, "If it turns out the way we have planned it, you will never be able to walk the streets of Madras", Anand accepted. Although Tara was then mainly known for playing leading roles, she accepted the supporting role of Velu's sister Shakila. She later recalled, "I didn't know what to accept and what to reject. I just grabbed whatever was offered irrespective of the character. That was a mistake." According to Suhasini, Ratnam considered her for the role of Velu's daughter Charumati; however, the role ultimately went to Karthika.