Aravaan is Vasanthabalan's fourth feature film. His widely watched and critically acclaimed Angaadi Theru released in 2010 and it took two years for Balan to wrap up Aravaan. Balan is one of the very few directors in Tamil who spends an extensive amount of time in researching for his movies and the results are there for all of us to see. Angaadi Theru was much lauded for its realistic approach and portrayal of supermarket employees.

Aravaan, set in the 13th century in Madurai, is taken from Su. Venkatesan's novel Kaaval Kottam. Balan recently stated in an interview that it took him a year in whole for doing research in terms of script writing and hunting for locations suitable for the movie's shooting. After he finished his research, Balan went on casting for his film and roped in Aadhi, Pasupathy, Dhansika and Archana Kavi for the film's significant roles. Kabir Bedi is also cast in a significant role. Bharath and Anjali appear in cameo roles.

Shot in and around Madurai, Melur, Tenkasi and the Kerala - Tamil Nadu border, Aravaan focuses on the life of a set of people lived in the 1300s. Art director Vijay Murugan had to replicate a village from centuries ago for the film. Aravaan is produced by Amma Creations and distributed by Vendhar Movies.

Playback singer Karthik is turning music composer with Aravaan. The film's audio was released recently and there are 7 songs in the album, which are slowly gaining recognition in the film charts.

Releasing this weekend, Aravaan is expected eagerly by Vasantha Balan's fans all over.