Rather than calling it a political movie, one would say that it is a movie about a politician; the flows and ebbs of his life and career and his ultimate transformation into a rare breed of sincere and conscientious politicians. It did not offer any revolutionary ideas or magic solutions to the political quagmire in the country. It moved around the central character while also showing, with a tinge of black humor, the effect of unethical politicians on the society. Word is that the movie was initially offered to Rajinikanth who turned it down. It eventually went to Mammootty, but after seeing the final product, Rajini is said to have regretted his decision.