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- ''''' in 1998 before Rajinkanth had turned it down. After the official announcement of the combination, the film had become much awaited among critics and fans alike. Rajinikanth's character ''Sivaji'' is a rich NRI software system architect from the United States, in his late 30s, who returns to his native Tamil Nadu only to find about various mishaps in the education system and the widespread poverty. He is pitted against ''Adiseshan'', who refuses to let him get involved in the proceedings. His parents are played by Manivannan and Vadivvukarasi respectively while his female lover is Tamizhselvi. Since the movie's release, Rajinikanth has received positive reviews for his portrayal by critics.
- '''n actors. Her character ''Tamizhselvi'', is the daughter of the characters played by ''PattimandramRaja'' and small-screen actress and Former News Anchor ''Uma''. During the course of the film, ''Tamizhselvi'' is taunted by ''Sivaji'', who falls in love with her, despite being initially rejected because of his horoscope; although she states that it is due to his dark complexion. She finally succumbs to his love and gets married to him. Her role had previously been offered to Aishwarya Rai , Ayesha Takia and Rani Mukherji among other actresses.
- ''''s film, played the role of ''Sivaji'' 's maternal uncle. His character ''Arivu'' provided the comic relief in the film and played a key role in assisting ''Sivaji'' to win over ''Tamizhselvi''. Despite having a minimal role in the second half, Vivek won praise for his role, with some critics claiming it had been his best performance since '' Anniyan ''. Another popular South Indian comedian, Vadivelu had been considered for this role.
- ''' plays ''Adisheshan'' a rich and influential industrialist running schools and charitable hospitals to exploit money from the poor. Throughout the film he is clad in white clothes. His character plays a polished villain who is the main hindrance in Sivaji's social works. The role had previously been offered to Prakash Raj , Sanjay Dutt , Mohanlal and Nana Patekar among other actors.
- Sivaji Arumugam - Rajinikanth
- Tamizhselvi Arumugam - Shriya Saran
- Arivu - Vivek
- Adiseshan - Suman
- Arumugam - Manivannan
- Mrs Arumugam - Vadivvukarasi
- Ramalingham - ''Pattimanram'' Raja
- Mrs Ramalingham - Uma Padmanabhan
- Dr. Chezhian - Raghuvaran
- A. Kuzhandaivelu - Cochin Hanifa
- Velu - Bose Venkat
- Mayilswamy - Mayilswamy
- Chinni Jayanth - Chinni Jayanth
- Dhamu - Dhamu
- Ramalingham's neighbour - Solomon Pappiah
- Estate Agent - M. S. Baskar
- Complaining Man in Nallore - Muthukaalai
- Village Chief - Vasu Vikram
- Reformed Villain - Vincent Asokan
- Lawyer - ''Pyramid'' Natarajan
- Police - Livingston
- Henchman - ''Kannal'' Kannan
- Police - Shanmugarajan
- Minister - Ravi Kumar
- Police - Ilavarasu
''Special Appearances and Guest Roles''
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