Simbu has been dropped from the Venkat Prabhu-directorial Maanadu by producer Suresh Kamatchi.
Last year, the Chennai 600028 II director had announced that he would be joining hands with Simbu, marking their first collaboration. However, early this year, rumours were rife that Maanadu had been shelved because of a disagreement between the actor and director. The producer of the film, Suresh Kamatchi then took to Twitter to announce that the project was very much on. But now, the producer, in an open note has said that the actor will not be a part of Maanadu anymore.
"Vanakkam. I am producer Suresh Kamatchi. I have to share a sad news with you all. Thambi Simbu gave me a big responsibility - that of making a movie with him in the lead. I have to thank him first for making me take up Maanadu. But the inordinate delays in the project has a chance of turning our relationship sour. I have always planned my films well and been honest in my approach. But whatever I did with respect to this particular project, I couldn't start it at all. So, we had to drop Simbu from this project as an actor. My love and friendship with him will continue. To the people who had reposed their faith in me, I thank you all. The Venkat Prabhu-directed Maanadu will start in a new avatar soon. Please stay tuned for official updates."
Maanadu was supposed to go on floors last month. A source close to the unit attributes the delay in starting the shoot to Simbu's visit to the UK, which the actor was very particular about, to get into shape for the role.
Venkat Prabhu had earlier revealed on Twitter that Kalyani Priyadarshan, daughter of famed director Priyadarshan, will be playing the female lead.
While the filmmaker is currently involved in the post-production of Party, Simbu has signed the Tamil remake of Mufti, in which he will be seen alongside Gautham Karthik. He also recently shot for a cameo role in Hansika's 50th film, Maha.