It looks like Vadivelu is on board for Kamal Haasan’s ambitious film Thalaivan Irukkindraan, and we got to know this at the Ungal Naan event held on Sunday. The Vaigai Puyal’s ten-minute speech remained the highlight of the evening, as he spoke about his working experience with Kamal Haasan during the Singaravelan and Thevar Magan days.

The veteran comedian recalled that he is always a fan of Kamal Haasan, adding, “Ulaganayagan’s entry into politics was a compulsion of time.” Vadivelu mentioned an incident from the Thevar Magan sets involving Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan, which was received by the audience with thunderous applause.

Thalaivan Irukkindraan was announced in 2008, but the makers had to put the project on hold due to financial constraints. Initially, Mohanlal, Venkatesh and Rishi Kapoor were also considered for the lead roles. Eventually in 2015, Kamal revived the project, saying it would be made in Hindi as Amar Hain, with Aamir Khan in the titular role. But this year, surprisingly, the actor-filmmaker-politician took to Twitter and announced AR Rahman was roped in to compose the music.

Reports suggest that Kamal Haasan will kickstart work on Thalaivan Irukkindraan once he finishes Indian 2. It will be bankrolled by Raaj Kamal Films International, in association with Lyca Productions.