Ezhil

1999-2007: Romance films and initial success

Ezhil made his debut as a filmmaker with Thullatha Manamum Thullum at R. B. Choudary's production house. The film features Vijay and Simran in the lead roles. Prior to release, the role of Vijay's mother in the film was kept under wraps with the media speculating who would play the role. Eventually, no actress played the role, although the character played a pivotal part in the film. Vijay took a pay cut for the film, accepting only 3 million rupees instead of 5 million rupees, as he had signed the film before the release of his blockbuster Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997). Initially, Ezhil wanted comedian Vadivelu to play the lead role. Vadivelu, who was impressed with the story, told Ezhil that the storyline was too good and he did not know whether it will work with him in the lead. Vadivelu also asked Ezhil to wait for six months, and if the latter did not get anyone else as the hero, then Vadivelu will act in it. Vadivelu was then was replaced by Vijay. The film went on to become a blockbuster, running for 100 days across dozens of theatres in Tamil Nadu, while it also enjoyed similar success in the neighboring state of Kerala.