During a recent discussion about the acclaimed film Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, director Dileesh Pothan revealed that actor Vinayakan was initially considered for the lead role played by Suraj Venjaramoodu. In an interview with an English-language media outlet, Pothan explained that the team approached Suraj only after they were unable to secure Vinayakan’s dates.

While developing the characters, the makers had first considered casting Soubin Shahir and Fahadh Faasil. Fahadh was originally considered for the role played by Suraj, and Soubin for the role of the thief. However, this casting plan fell through as Soubin was occupied with the filming of Parava at the time.

The team then explored the possibility of casting Fahadh as the thief and Vinayakan in the role eventually given to Suraj. But again, Vinayakan’s scheduling conflicts made this unfeasible, leading them to finally cast Suraj Venjaramoodu.

Pothan also shared that he had concerns about whether Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum would succeed commercially. However, the success of his previous film, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, gave him the confidence to take a creative risk.

“The success of Maheshinte Prathikaaram gave me confidence. I felt that even if Thondimuthal failed commercially, the industry would still give me another chance,” he said in the interview.