On Monday, Tamil cinema fans were in for a major shock when a video of veteran character actor Thavasi went viral on social media where he was shown to be in a weak physical condition as a result of cancer. Having worked in Tamil cinema for nearly 30 years, the actor was seen requesting for financial help in order to continue his treatment and also subsequently recover in order to return to acting. Known prominently among fans for playing the role of Soori's father in Sivakarthikeyan's Varuthapadaatha Vaalibar Sangam, his dialogue "Karuppan Kusumbukkaran" soon after became a viral meme material upon the film's release a few years back. 

Earlier on Tuesday, actor Sivakarthikeyan had extended monetary assistance of Rs 25,000 through his fan club president Mohan, who handed over Thavasi the money in person. Subsequently, the veteran actor, who has starred in films from Kizhakku Cheemaiyile to 'Superstar' Rajinikanth's upcoming biggie Annaatthe, also received financial help of Rs 20,000 from comedian Soori. In that light, 'Makkal Selvan' Vijay Sethupathi too has now extended his contribution to Thavasi's cancer treatment by giving him Rs 1 lakh, while popular supporting actor Soundararaja known for his roles in Dharmadurai and most recently in 'Thalapathy' Vijay's Bigil, did his bit by giving Rs. 10,000 in person. 

In the video released on Monday, many viewers were disturbed after witnessing Thavasi's weakened physical condition from his normal self. Speaking about his health condition, the popular actor said that he never imagined he would be affected by a disease like cancer and was not in a position to do anything, while adding that he also had trouble in speaking properly. The video showing Thavasi's predicament had a theatre actor requesting everyone to extend their support to the veteran. In the video, the theatre actor explained that Thavasi's trademark was his comedy and body language, which always left a solid impression.