Latest news with #Simbu
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'STR 49' faces twists and turns: Was there a creative clash between Silambarasan and Santhanam over Ramkumar Balakrishnan's directorial?
Actor Silambarasan TR 's 49th film, tentatively titled 'STR 49,' was officially launched with a pooja under the direction of 'Parking' fame Ramkumar. Shooting was initially scheduled to begin in June. However, unexpected roadblocks emerged after the film's producer was caught in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation. Following this, it was reported that Simbu had creative disagreements with the team, leading to delays and internal tensions. Reported rift between Simbu and Santhanam Comedian Santhanam was initially announced as part of 'STR 49,' marking a shift from lead roles back to a comedian's role. According to Asianet, Santhanam placed certain conditions particularly that his character should have equal importance to Silambarasan's. These demands reportedly created friction between the two, making Simbu temporarily shelve the film. While neither the actor has officially spoken about the reported issue, the sources in the industry indicated that the fallout made Simbu rethink the film and its cast. Change in direction after script concerns Another obstacle allegedly originated from Ramkumar's final script, which did not satisfy Silambarasan. With increasing creative issues and production uncertainties, Simbu said that he has dropped the project in its current form and has opted for a change in the director. Ramkumar is now asked to contact other prominent actors for new undertakings, while Silambarasan has moved forward with other collaborations, including directors with films Desingh Periasamy and Ashwath Marimuthu . 'STR 49' gets a new life with Vetri Maaran The latest buzz confirms that Vetri Maaran has taken over with music composed by GV Prakash Kumar. Based on a North Chennai backdrop, the story reportedly draws from the 'Rajan Vagaira' script originally penned for Ken Karunas. The film features a star-studded cast including Kavin, Nelson, Andrea, and Samuthirakani, and the shoot is already in progress.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Simbu-Vetri Maaran Film Begins Shooting, Jailer Director Nelson To Make Cameo
Last Updated: Director Vetri Maaran has started his new film with actor Silambarasan. A working still from the set featuring director Nelson Dilipkumar has gone viral. Director Vetri Maaran has officially started work on his much-anticipated film with actor Silambarasan (Simbu). A behind-the-scenes still from the shoot has made its way online and is already being shared all over. But what really caught everyone's eye is director Nelson Dilipkumar, known for hits like Doctor and Jailer, as he was spotted on the set. According to India Today, Nelson is doing a cameo appearance in the upcoming film. Right now, the team has finished shooting a promo, and the main shoot is expected to start in the next few weeks. This film is reportedly set in the same universe as Vetri Maaran's cult classic, Vada Chennai, the gangster drama that starred Dhanush and became a massive hit. That's not all. Apart from Nelson, actors Kavin and Manikandan are also expected to appear in cameo roles. Andrea Jeremiah, Samuthirakani, and Kishore, who were all part of Vada Chennai, are returning in this film too. Interestingly, Simbu was originally supposed to play the lead in Vada Chennai when it was first announced years ago. However, that plan didn't work out, and the film went ahead with Dhanush instead. Vada Chennai was originally planned as a trilogy, and Vetri Maaran has often spoken about spin-offs and web series based on the same universe. Fans have been asking for Vada Chennai 2 for years. In fact, just recently, Dhanush confirmed at an event that the sequel will definitely happen. We don't know the official title yet of the film. Talking about Silambarasan, better known as Simbu or STR, he is a popular Indian actor, playback singer, and film producer known for his work in Tamil cinema. He is the eldest son of filmmaker T. Rajendar. Simbu started his journey in the film industry as a child artist in his father's movies, and later made his debut as a lead actor in Kadhal Azhivathillai (2002), which was also directed by his father. Over the years, he won several awards, including two Edison Awards and three SIIMA Awards for his performances. First Published:
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Simbu-Vetri Maaran film begins; 'Jailer' director Nelson Dilipkumar to make cameo
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Director Vetri Maaran's much-anticipated collaboration with actor Silambarasan, aka Simbu, has officially gone on floors. A working still from the sets has surfaced online, creating a buzz among fans. The image features Vetri Maaran, Simbu, and Jailer director Nelson Dilipkumar, sparking intrigue over Nelson's unexpected presence on set. Nelson Dilipkumar to appear in a cameo role According to India Today report, the 'Jailer', 'Beast' director Nelson Dilipkumar will be making a cameo appearance in the untitled film. Actors Kavin and Manikandan are also expected to appear in cameo roles, further raising the film's star power. Set in the 'Vada Chennai' universe The film is said to be set in the same gritty underworld as Vetri Maaran and Dhanush's cult classic 'Vada Chennai'. Familiar faces from that film—Andrea Jeremiah, Samuthirakani, and Kishore—will reprise their roles, connecting the narrative threads. While the official title and release details are yet to be announced, shooting has commenced with a promo shoot, with principal photography expected to start in the coming weeks. Simbu's 'Thug Life' Thug Life | Song - Muththa Mazhai Meanwhile, Simbu has impressed the audiences with his stunning performance in the recently released Kamal Haasan starrer 'Thug Life'. Unfortunately the Mani Ratnam's directorial failed to impress the audiences. ETimes review for the film read, "Thug Life becomes a slog. The latter half goes haywire with many of the sub-plots from the earlier portions either being diluted or largely getting shoved away for a long amount of time. Even Amaran goes missing for quite some time. Instead what we get are preposterous scenes of Sakthivel's survival after being shot at or stabbed multiple times. The threat of Sadanand ceases to exist and Deepak feels like a weak antagonist who makes moves that are predictable. Even AR Rahman seems to lose interest and delivers a background score that feels random. The rich production values, especially Ravi K Chandran's glossy visuals, the mystery around the fate of Chandra and the inevitable face-off between Sakthivel and Amaran make us stay invested."
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Star power or script power? The highs and lows of Tamil multi-starrers
Multi-starrer films have always created massive buzz in Tamil cinema, drawing in audiences with the sheer thrill of watching their favorite actors share the screen. When executed well, they deliver cinematic gold, take 'Chekka Chivantha Vaanam' for instance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Directed by , this action-packed drama brought together a stellar cast including , , Arun Vijay, Simbu, and Jyotika. Its success proved that a well-balanced script can harness multiple star energies without one overshadowing the other, making it a standout example of a multi-starrer done right. The film's taut screenplay and distinct character arcs offered a textbook case on how to effectively manage ensemble casts in mainstream cinema. The danger of star-centric films without substance On the other end of the spectrum lies the issue of unbalanced screen time and underwhelming writing. 'Jailer,' despite Rajinikanth's commanding presence, left some audiences divided due to the extended cameos by Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar, which felt more like crowd-pleasers than story drivers. Similarly, 'GOAT,' Thalapathy Vijay's ambitious time-travel drama directed by Venkat Prabhu, attempts to capitalize on a multi-layered cast including Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, and Meenakshi Chaudhary. However, the film faced criticism for failing to give its ensemble meaningful arcs, leading to a disconnect between hype and substance. When characters exist only to serve fan service, the storytelling inevitably suffers. Big promises ahead Ajith's 'Vidaamuyarchi,' which carried the promise of a unique storyline and an emotionally engaging journey, couldn't quite strike the right balance between character depth and mass moments. Meanwhile, 'Thug Life,' reuniting with Mani Ratnam after decades, boasts a dynamic lineup including Silambarasan, Trisha, , and Gautham Karthik. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With expectations skyrocketing, fans hope the screenplay justifies each star's presence, avoiding the common pitfalls of fragmented storytelling. Adding to the excitement is 'Coolie,' directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth, which promises to blend star power with a gripping narrative, raising the bar for upcoming multi-starrers. The audience today is far more discerning, expecting not just presence, but purpose. Not every multi-starrer gets it right The real challenge in Tamil multi-starrers lies in coherence. Star value might sell the first weekend, but only gripping content sustains a film. Overstuffed casts often lead to shallow characterizations—as seen in 'Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan,' where Simbu's multiple avatars couldn't salvage the muddled plot. Successful multi-starrers like 'Vikram,' though from the pan-Indian arena, set a benchmark for how Tamil actors like Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil can thrive when backed by a strong narrative. 'No one can steal your talent. Multi-starrers are an opportunity to learn from other actors,' said Vijay Sethupathi during the promotions of Vikram. 'Without a strong supporting cast, no hero's film truly works. Multi-starrers are about adding value to the story,' shared while speaking about ensemble films at a movie event. 'Star clashes are purely business. What truly matters is whether each role fits the story—like it did in Vikram,' said Kamal Haasan, explaining the business strategy behind multi-starrers during 'Vikram' promotions. Nikilesh Surya (theatre manager & trade observer) on Vikram said in an interaction with The News Minute: 'Vikram is a testament to the box office potential of a good film with a great cast that people are eager to see. Hopefully, stars will let creators do their part like in Vikram and they can see the results follow.' "A strong cast does generate opening weekend hype but success must come from substance", posted trade analyst Ramesh Bala on social media about 'Thug Life.' Story over stardom: The real key to longevity In essence, multi-starrer Tamil films are a double-edged sword. While the excitement around them is undeniable, their lasting impact depends on the script's ability to justify each character's presence. Star power might open doors, but it's the story that ensures they remain open.
NDTV
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Kamal Haasan's Thug Life Releases To Massive Fan Frenzy In Chennai, No Shows In Karnataka
Chennai: It's a day of celebration for fans of Kamal Haasan as his much-anticipated film Thug Life released worldwide today - except in Karnataka. NDTV was at Chennai's Rohini Silver Screens, where fans gathered in large numbers, some from neighbouring districts, to be part of the first-day-first-show excitement. A Release Marred By Controversies Coming amid the Bengaluru stampede tragedy that killed 11 lives, the traditional fanfare was missing outside the theatre in Chennai, though giant posters and cutouts were in place. Several fans of Silambarasan (Simbu), who plays a key role in the film, also turned up in full force in T-shirts sporting his name. "I came all the way from Chengalpattu. I'm a Simbu fan and can't wait to watch him in action," said Suraj, a young college-goer. Thug Life marks the much-celebrated reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after nearly 40 years. The film features music by AR Rahman, with Trisha, Nassar, and Ashok Selvan in prominent roles. 'Historic Combo' "The Mani-Kamal-Rahman combo is historic. The songs are already chartbusters. The movie will be a blockbuster," said Lakshmi, a young techie at the venue. The film has not been released in Karnataka, after a controversy erupted over Kamal Haasan's comments on the Kannada language. Fringe groups demanded an apology, but the actor has stood firm so far. "My comments were made out of love, not malice. I will not apologise," Kamal said, asserting his constitutional right to freedom of expression and trade. The Karnataka High Court had suggested an apology or retraction, but Kamal Haasan's legal team cited artistic freedom. Talks are expected between Team Kamal and the Karnataka Film Chamber in the coming days. So far, there are no shows of Thug Life in Karnataka, as the film awaits a green signal in the state. Monumental Expectations "We came as a family. Kamal sir never fails. This movie will be a superhit," said Ram, a fan who came with his wife and kids. With Kamal Haasan's Vikram and Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan setting the box office on fire, expectations from Thug Life are monumental. The film was released across the world today, except for Karnataka. Thug Life marks the return of the Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam duo after 1987's Nayakan.
