Is Gautham Menon the baddie in Simbu's Pathu Thala?

Gautham Menon, who has played pivotal roles in recent films including Oh My Kadavule, Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal, Trance, Selfie, FIR, Don, and Sita Ramam, will next be seen in Silambarasan TR's Pathu Thala.

The film is an official remake of the 2017 Kannada film Mufti, which also stars Gautham Karthik. Pathu Thala is directed by Obeli N Krishna (of Sillunu Oru Kaadhal-fame), a former associate of Gautham Menon.

While there had been some speculation about Gautham's involvement in the project, Krishna confirmed in a recent interview that the filmmaker is on board and that he shot both his and Simbu's parts separately. He revealed that their combined scenes would be shot in the coming weeks. According to sources, Gautham will play the antagonist in Pathu Thala. While the director did not confirm the rumour, he did state that he is excited to see both of them on screen together.

Gautham has directed Simbu in films such as Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, Karthik Dial Seidha Enn and the upcoming Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu, and has appeared in cameo roles in the actor's films.

Priya Bhavani Shankar plays the female lead in Pathu Thala, which is co-produced by Jayantilal Gada and KE Gnanavelraja. In supporting roles, Kalaiyarasan and Teejay Arunasalam will appear. Music is by AR Rahman, and cinematography is by Farook J Basha. The film is set to be released on December 14.

In an interview with the Hindu, Gautham Menon said he was offered full-length roles before Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal, to which he refused. "You must lose your inhibitions, be unaware of your surroundings, know where to look, and close-ups are difficult. I adore actors who can let go and be themselves in front of the camera. Even while taking a selfie, I'm fully conscious. People have asked why I am so depressed. Being oneself in front of the camera is equally difficult."

As an actor, Gautham is, additionally, a part of Vetrimaaran's Viduthalai. The film has Vijay Sethupathi and Soori in lead roles.