Perumal Pillai revealed that the film was based on a real-life incident from the 1990s, which revolved around two opposition clans in South Tamil Nadu. The film was predominantly shot around
Tirunelveli, while the team also managed to feature a Dussehra festival live in
Thiruchendur, as a part of the script. Dhruvva, a debutant actor from the US, was cast in the title role of the film, while
Mrudhula Bhaskar was signed on as the female lead. In preparation for her role, she researched her character by looking up similar roles played by actress
Sripriya. An
item number featuring
Neetu Chandra was shot at
Binny Mills to increase the film's commercial viability. The film held a press meet for the launch of its trailer and soundtrack in September 2014. During the launch, director
Ameer criticised the makers of the film for adopting the title
Thilagar for an action film, stating it instead should have been used for a biopic of
Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In return, Perumal Pillai expressed his disappointment at Ameer's remark and retorted that Ameer's
Raam (2005) had no link to the
Ramayana. == Soundtrack ==