Thalapathy Vijay’s Ghilli Was Set To Star THIS Popular Kannada Actor Instead Of Prakash Raj?

Thalapathy

Vijay’s Ghilli, directed by Dharani, continues to be celebrated as one of the most defining commercial films in Tamil cinema, even 22 years after its release. The 2004 blockbuster is remembered for Vijay’s energetic screen presence, his chemistry with Trisha, Vidyasagar’s memorable soundtrack, and Prakash Raj’s powerful performance as the antagonist Muthu Pandi. However, an interesting revelation has recently resurfaced from Kannada actor-filmmaker Upendra,where he spoke about Vijay's Ghilli and his stand on Thalapathy's political entry which is creating headlines ever since his party TVK won the Tamil Nadu Elections 2026.

Upendra Reveals He Was First Offered Prakash Raj Role in Ghilli

Upendra has made an interesting revelation about one of Tamil cinema’s most iconic films, Ghilli. In a recent media interaction, he shared that he was originally approached to play the antagonist character in the 2004 Vijay-starrer directed by Dharani. The role eventually went to Prakash Raj, whose menacing act of Muthu Pandi became one of the most celebrated villain performances in Tamil cinema history.

Interestingly, Upendra’s name being associated with the project has surprised many fans, as Prakash Raj’s performance is now inseparable from the film’s identity especially the lines 'Chelloww I Love you Cheloww..."

Upendra On Vijay’s Political Debut

Apart from discussing his near association with Ghilli, Upendra also spoke about Vijay's political debut which is creating waves. Addressing recent discussions around Thalapathy Vijay’s political journey and his party TVK’s performance in Tamil Nadu politics, he said that change is both necessary and inevitable in any democratic system.

He also said that such transformation is not limited to one region but can happen across Karnataka, India, and even globally.

About Upendra Rao's Political Innings

Upendra Rao, is man who dons many hats. Apart from being an actor, he is also a filmmaker, screenwriter, lyricist, playback singer, producer, and politician, best known for his work in Kannada cinema. Over the years, he has also appeared in select Telugu and Tamil films, expanding his presence across South Indian cinema.

In 2017, Upendra entered active politics by joining the Karnataka Pragnyavanta Janata Paksha. However, he stepped away from the party in 2018 following internal differences. He later founded his own political outfit, the Uttama Prajaakeeya Party (UPP), which is built on the ideology of “Prajākīya,” a model focused on citizen-centric governance and transparency in administration.On the professional front, Upendra was recently seen in the Tamil film Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, sharing screen space with Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Shruti Haasan, and Nagarjuna.