Vijay Sethupathi’s Tamil action drama Baththa opened in theatres worldwide on October 1.

Written and directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan, the film marks their third collaboration after Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom and Seethakaathi. Lijomol Jose stars alongside Sethupathi.

Set in 1986 Madras, the story follows a feared local don who gets accidentally locked inside a deserted school restroom by an eight-year-old boy. An unlikely friendship develops.

The film had premiere screenings on September 30. Early audience reactions on social media have been positive, according to reports.

It is produced by Cine1 Studios, A for Apple Studios and Star Studio18. Sai Abhyankkar has composed the music, his first collaboration with Sethupathi.

Baththa faces a crowded October window. Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam: The Conclusion and other releases arrive around Gandhi Jayanti. AGS Entertainment is distributing the film in Tamil Nadu and E4 Entertainment in Kerala. The overseas distribution rights were acquired by Panorama Studios and Zee Studios.