In Tamil cinema, we have often seen directors sketching some characters based on some commoners who have an inspiring story. In AR Murugadoss's Kaththi, he named one character Jeevanandam after hearing about an inspirational social activist of the same name.

On the other hand, Dr.Balasubramanian, who hails from Bodinayakanur in Theni district, who passed away almost a year ago, apparently charged just Rs.20 for all his consultations. The man was known for charging his patients at a meager cost, which started off at Rs.2 and gradually increased to Rs.20.

In the recently released, Mersal, one of the three characters played by Vijay is a doctor. Dr.Maaran, the character in Mersal, charges just Rs.5 for his consultations. Like many other directors, has Atlee drawn inspiration from Dr.Balasubramanian to sketch the Maaran? He hasn't taken to any stage to say this, but there are chances that it could be true.