Puli producer says the 2015 film almost broke him, but Vijay's salary doubled: ‘Anyone else would've died by suicide’

Vijay's former PRO turned producer, PT Selvakumar, made the painful revelation about Puli while being conferred with an honorary doctorate.

PT Selvakumar was Vijay’s friend and his PRO for years before he produced the 2015 Tamil fantasy film Puli. While receiving an honorary doctorate for his contribution to cinema, he reflected on his career and remarked how the making of Puli almost broke him. Ironically, Vijay’s salary was doubled after that, despite the dud. Videos of the same have surfaced online.

Puli was a 2015 Tamil fantasy film that also starred Sridevi and Kichcha Sudeep in lead roles.

How Selvakumar came on board for Puli

Selvakumar revealed that one day, Vijay called him home and asked him to produce a film starring him with director Chimbu Deven. While sceptical, the producer reveals that he felt happy he was going to produce a film. Shobana was the first choice to play Demon Queen Yavanarani, but the producer reveals he stayed in Mumbai for three days to get Sridevi on board, and Kichcha Sudeep later on for Demon Prince Senadhipathy Jalatharangan.

Issues before and during Puli’s release

Unfortunately, Selvakumar says he was ‘betrayed’ by people close to him. Days before Puli's release on 1 October 2015, the IT department raided Selvakumar, Vijay, and producer Shibu Thameens’ homes. “I am not a child of a rich family. I released the film by spending everything I had, including my house’s deed,” said the producer, adding, “Unfortunately, it was a terrible failure. My 27 years of hard work were ruined. If it had been anyone else, they would’ve died by suicide.” Puli also ran into trouble when the first two shows were cancelled due to financial issues.

Vijay’s salary doubled despite the failure

While Selvakumar was grappling with the high-budget film barely breaking even by making ₹100 crore worldwide, he remarks that Vijay’s salary was doubled. “Even though the film failed, it was the first pan Indian film. We had Hollywood stunt directors working here for the first time and had actors from other languages. Puli was the first Vijay film to make ₹100 crore. He was paid ₹25 crore for Puli, but for his next film (Theri in 2016), he received ₹45 crore,” he said. Puli, which received mixed to negative reviews, also starred Shruti Haasan, Hansika Motwani, and Nandita Swetha.

Selvakumar has worked as a PRO for many hit films, including Pokkiri and Ghajini. He produced Pokkiri Raja (2016) and Banda Paramasivam (2003) in addition to Puli. He also played small roles in a few films. It is unknown which university gave him the doctorate.