The film stars Dhanush and Shriya Saran, while Prakash Raj, Karunas and Saranya Ponvannan play supporting roles.

[2] The director said the film's title was a reference to the games played by Dhanush's character Thiru to achieve his goals; nevertheless it was retitled Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam.

[3] Shriya Saran initially opted out of the film, owing to her commitment to work in Sivaji: The Boss, but returned after she was able to allot dates.

[7] Shwetha Bhaskar of Rediff.com noted that "Director Boopathy Pandian has a looser hold on pacing, ensuring that the interest never flags", adding that "the real reason to watch Thiruvilaiyadal Aarambam is Dhanush, who epitomises the new age hero: he is no superman, he is not even close to perfect, and he is thoroughly unapologetic about it all.

[10] Malini Mannath of Chennai Online wrote the film "is a wholesome, light-hearted family entertainer sans scenes that make you squirm for it's [sic] overt glamour or violence.