"Annaamalai" was launched with a "puja" at the Lord Ganapathi temple within AVM Studios. Principal photography began on 11 March 1992. The muhurat shot involved Annaamalai breaking a coconut and praying in a temple. After the muhurat shot, the first scene to be filmed was a comedy scene where Annaamalai would save Ashok, who has been brought to court for a minor offence. Krissna removed the scene from the final cut as he felt it had no bearing on the script. The introductory song "Vanthenda Paalkaaran" was shot at Ooty. Krissna wanted the picturisation of the song to be vibrant and colourful like the songs of Bollywood films starring Amitabh Bachchan. The scene in the song where Annaamalai shows his face to the camera was extended in slow motion by Krissna as fans would feel as if he was looking towards the audience. The song was choreographed by Prabhu Deva.