After Minnale, Madhavan joins hands with producer Dr Murali Manohar again for Thambi to be directed by Seeman.

The shooting for the movie began recently and it is progressing in and around southern districts.

Asked about the film, Madhavan says, "I was so very impressed with the story line of Thambi that I immediately accepted to do the role. Once Thambi is completed I would take up Karuppan to be directed by Susi Ganesan."

His next release will be a Hindi film Ramji Londonwala, a remake of Nala Damayanthi.

Pooja, who is knocking on the doors to stardom (she was seen in movies like Attagasam and JJ) is playing the heroine. Noted Malayalam actor Biju Menon is venturing into Tamil with Thambi.

Vadivelu is playing the comedian. Vidyasagar is composing the tune while story, screenplay, dialogues and direction are by Seeman.

Dr Murali Manohar who produced movies like Jodi, Star, Jeans, Minnale and the yet-to-be-released Ayudham hopes that Thambi would satiate the appetite of movie-buffs.

For Madhavan, this is a major test. After the failures of JJ and Ethiri, he has been away from the public radar. In fact, despite acting heavy artillery movies like Anbe Sivam and Nala Damayanthi, is without a major hit in Tamil for quite some time.

It is his image that is keeping him in the race. He understands the importance of Thambi. He wants to erase the tag that he is good only for the urban, yuppie kind of roles. For Thambi, he is sporting a new hair do. He says the role is an interesting one, something which he has done never before.

Thambi, which means younger brother in Tamil, is always very helpful. Hopefully, the film is for Madhavan and others.