After having worked as an actor on both small and big screens, Madhupal is now making his debut as a film director with Thalapavu, based on Naxalism in Kerala. Prithviraj, whose recent release Chocolate was a big hit will be seen in a serious role in the Thalapavu.

Thalapavu is based on a real-life incident that took place way back in the 1970's in Wayanad. The Naxalite movement stormed Kerala in the 1950's and the 1960's. Wayanad witnessed several naxalite activities and it was during this time that a Naxalite leader, A. Varghese, involved in several Naxal attacks, had been evading arrest. Varghese and his group members retreated into the Thirunelli forests. He was later brutally killed by a CRPF constable P. Ramachandran Pillai, who confessed to the killing, 28 years after the incident.

The film stars Prithviraj as a naxalite leader, Joseph, Lal as a police constable, Raveendran Pillai and Bollywood actor Atul Kulkarni as a cruel landlord. Meera Krishna plays the female lead.

Azhagappan handles the camera and Alex Paul helms the music. The film, based on friendship, also focuses on social and political issues.