Sai Pallavi gained popularity after her appearance on the dance reality show Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhudheva in 2008.
She acted in the short film Kaatchi Pilai before entering full-time acting.
The film was made in 2012 during the time when many in Tamil Nadu were making short films due to the reality show Naalaiya Iyakunar.
Pallavi was also studying fashion technology at the time and later pursued medical studies in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The short film, Kaatchi Pilai, was shot in just one day with a budget of only Rs. 3000.
Sai Pallavi's performance stood out, and the film won several awards at college festivals.