Chennai, Feb 26 (IANS): Music composer-turned-actor Vijay Antony, who plays a beggar in the forthcoming Tamil action-thriller "Pichaikkaran", says he had to shoot some scenes of the film with real beggars on the roadside to make everything look authentic.

"My director insisted that we shoot on the roads with real beggars. Although they were informed about the shoot, we filmed the scenes very secretly and, hence, managed to capture very realistic performances," Vijay said at the audio launch on Thursday.

He added that he didn't find it difficult to slip into the role of a beggar.

"I'm proud to have experimented with this film. Although I play a beggar, the story is about a wealthy individual," he said.

Directed by Sasi, and also starring newcomer Satna Titus, the film is slated for release on March 4.

"I was in tears when I read the script," said Vijay, adding that he considers himself extremely lucky to have worked with Sasi, who introduced him as a composer in his 2006 Tamil film "Dishyum".

The film, which will be released by KR Films and Skylark Entertainment, has been exempted from entertainment tax in Tamil Nadu.