In recent years, due to films and various other means, Ayya's plays have attracted a meager audience which bothers him.

A producer Dhanapal wants Ayya to act in his film but doesn't reveal that he inserts action and song sequences.

Elsewhere, a school play is shown where the lead actor bows down for a long time implying that Ayya's spirit is still alive.

Following the success of Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012), director Balaji Tharaneetharan began working on his next project titled Seethakaathi.

[5][6] After postponing work on the film to complete the romantic comedy Oru Pakka Kathai (2017), Balaji revived Seethakaathi in April 2017 and announced that Vijay Sethupathi would portray the leading role.

[11][12] The soundtrack album is composed by Govind Vasantha of '96 fame, with lyrics written by Thiyagarajan Kumararaja, Madhan Karky, Karthik Netha and Yugabharathi.

[citation needed] The film, scheduled to release on 16 November 2018, was postponed to a later date following TFPC committee and actor Udhaya's request.

Earlier, the Tamil Nadu wing of the Indian National League, a political party, had objected to the title and asked the film team to "immediately change the name of the movie," saying Seethakaathi was the name of a renowned Muslim poet.

[15][16] A wax statue of Vijay Sethupathi's character was unveiled at Express Avenue Mall in Chennai and the occasion was marked by a grand event promoted by the producers of the film.