"Badri", produced by Sri Venkateswara Art Films, was announced in August 2000 and was slated to be remake of the Telugu film "Thammudu", starring Pawan Kalyan. Arun Prasad, who directed the original, reprises his role as did the composer Ramana Gogula. Most of the other technicians were also taken from Tollywood. Art director G. K. hired 200 technicians to create a high tech complex in Vahini studios for the film. When first announced, it was reported that Vijay would essay dual lead roles, although this claim later proved to be untrue. Bhupinder Singh was also selected to reprise his role from the original version as Rohit, the antagonist.