Featuring Vasundhara and Nassar alongside several newcomers, Kaalaipani was a murder mystery film which had a low-key release, but received positive reviews.

A critic noted that Rajesh Selva has "very well applied his paper works on the screen", adding his "clarity in execution is evident throughout the film".

[6][7] In 2008, Rajesh decided to join Raaj Kamal Films International on the advice of his friend, director Sri Krishna.

[8][10] Titled Thoongaa Vanam (2015) in Tamil and Cheekati Rajyam (2015) in Telugu, Rajesh completed both version of the film within sixty days of shoot.

Featuring an ensemble cast headed by Kamal Haasan, he worked with the actor on adapting the original script into the Tamil and Telugu languages, and wrote in new characters to be played by Trisha and Madhu Shalini.