The movie is based on Mahabharata, with Rajinikanth representing Karnna, Mammootty playing Duryodhana and Arvind swamy playing Arjuna, all in contemporary world. The characters are brilliantly written to fit into modern day life, yet retaining the original traits.
Debut film of Aravind Swamy.
This is the only movie where Rajnikanth and Mani Ratnam worked together.
The song 'Sundari Kannal' was the last recorded by Ilaiyaraja for Mani Ratnam. After, the recording the orchestra playing the song, gave Ilaiyaraja a standing ovation.
M.I.A song "Bamboo Banga" sampled the song "Kaattukuyilu" .