Seethakaathi

Seethakaathi is a 2018 Tamil-language magic realism comedy film written and directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan, starring Vijay Sethupathi in his 25th lead role in a film. The film began production in April 2017. Upon release the film received very positive reviews from critics but they criticised the lengthy runtime of the film. Plot Ayya Aadhimoolam is a veteran theater actor who refuses to act in films because he only wants to act in front of a live audience. In recent years, due to films and various other means, Ayya's plays attract a meager audience which bothers him. During an act of Sujatha's Oonjal, Ayya dies. After his death, Ayya's assistant Parasuraman and his troupe decide to stage plays frequently. During the rehearsals of Panjali Sabadham, Parasuraman observes that two actors perform significantly better than usual. During the play, he observes that Saravanan, a budding actor performing beyond expectations and also bowing to the audience even when the curtains are closed. Parasuraman affirms that Ayya's spirit is still acting. Saravanan's performance is also observed by Thyagu, a film director on the lookout for the male lead for his next film. He is convinced by Parasuraman that it was Ayya who acted through Saravanan. Thyagu signs Saravanan on in the hope that Ayya will act. Ayya acts through Saravanan and the film becomes a success making Saravanan a sought after actor. It is revealed that Ayya acted in the film because he liked the story of the film. Saravanan signs a film without Parasuraman's knowledge who selects the script for him. During director Sundar's shoot, Ayya's spirit suddenly stops acting after which it is revealed to the public that Ayya acted in the films which featured Saravanan as the lead.