After "Nandha", Bala announced his next project "Pithamagan" with Vikram and Suriya, heroes of his previous films who received popularity after struggle. For Gomathy's role, Bala selected Simran and confirmed her for the role by printing her name in invitations,but she was hurry to finish all her commitments due to her wedding plans and she accepted to give only 3 days call sheet to make special appearance initially which was offered to Reemma Sen. After that Vijayashanti, Malavika and Gayatri Jayaraman were considered but at last Rasika was selected for the role and also changed her name back to Sangeetha. Most part of the Film was shot in a town called Bodinayakanur in Theni District. Bodinayakanur, which is surrounded by Western Ghats Hills and also known as the Cardamom Capital of India. The soundtrack album was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The lyrics were penned by Vaali, Palani Bharathi, Na. Muthukumar and Mu. Metha. The song "Piraiye Piraiye" is set in Pantuvarali raga. Track list Telugu track list The film was released on 24 October 2003, coinciding with Deepavali. The film released alongside Vijay's "Thirumalai", Ajith's "Anjaneya" and Arjun's "Ottran". The film received unanimous critical acclaim particularly for Vikram and Surya's performances. Malathi Rangarajan of "The Hindu" praised Vikram as "Without any dialogue to support him he carves a niche for himself in the viewer's mind with his expressions and excellent body language" and Suriya as "Who would have thought that this young man, pitted against the serious Chithan, would prove so perfect a foil?" going on to declare the movie as "..a symphony on celluloid". Balaji Balasubramaniam of "Thiraipadam.com" reviewed as "With unique characterization, tremendous performances and a smooth screenplay, the movie offers a satisfying experience to the discerning viewer..." and noted "Vikram pretty much lives the role of the undertaker. With dry and streaked hair, dirty teeth and torn clothes, he looks the part and though he doesn't utter a word, he conveys everything through his expressions and body language". A reviewer at Sify.com noted, "..it is the expert performance of the lead actors that elevate the film above the commonplace".