EXCLUSIVE: 'Thalapathy' Vijay's Thirumalai iconic cigarette scene, director Ramana reveals the origin of the idea - WATCH VIDEO

Tamil film director Ramana Chandrasekhar entered Tamil cinema with a bang two decades ago with 'Thalapathy' Vijay's blockbuster, Thirumalai (2003), which showed the superstar undergo a massive transformation from playing the boy-next-door to a mass action hero. The filmmaker also went on to direct Sullan (2004) starring Dhanush after which he teamed up with Vijay once again for their Aathi (2006). Ramana, who was diagnosed with cancer made a recovery by getting cured completely a few years back, recently sat down with Galatta to talk about his experiences and most memorable incidents during filming Thirumalai with Vijay, Jyotika, Raghuvaran, Kausalya among others, which also featured chart-topping music composed by Vidyasagar.  

Talking about the unforgettable moments on the sets of Thirumalai, Ramana revealed that the cigarette scene wasn't his idea, but was rather conceived by Vijay. Explaining how the actor had thought of pulling out the cigarette with his teeth from his shirt collar, the director said, "We shot a majority of the portions here in Chennai since we had put up a large set. A major reason for the film's commercial success was one mannerism where Vijay pulls out the cigarette. Honestly speaking, I didn't tell him. We were shooting a love scene on the first day at Muttukadu and during lunch break he called me. When I went over, he told me that had something to show and went on to act out how he would pull out the cigarette from his shirt collar. He then asked me if this can be added to the film without disturbing the story." 

Ramana continued, "The reason why I say this is an unforgettable memory is because it helped in making the film a hit. Similar to how Rajinikanth sir would flip a cloth over his shoulder or the stylish manner in which he would light up a cigarette, it was something to give his fan a small high. He did the homework to think about it. He told me that if it's not needed for the film, it can be skipped altogether, but I said that I liked it. Although there are many sweet memories about making the film, it was this commercial input from him that will stay close to my heart." 

Watch director Ramana talk about making Thirumalai in the video below: