Suriya and director Bala were supposed to reunite after a long gap with Vanangaan. The project was announced last year in October, and the team also shot a few portions. The makers also released its first look earlier this year on Suriya's birthday in July. However, Bala has now come out with a statement informing that Suriya will no more be a part of the film.

Bala has written, "I wanted to direct Vanangaan with my younger borther, Suriya. However, after a few changes in the story, I wasn't sure if the project was suitable for someone like him." He also added, "Suriya had complete trust in me, but it was my duty, as an elder brother, to not put him in such a tricky situation. So, both Suriya and I have decided that it is in the best interests of everyone involved that he should opt out of the project. In fact, Suriya was very upset about this decision, but this is done for the greater good of my brother."

Bala also assured that he will be reuniting with Suriya in the future. "The Suriya that I saw in Nandha; the Suriya that you saw in Pithamagan, we both will get together something similar at the right time, for sure."

The National-award filmmaker ended the statement by clarifying that Vanangaan will go ahead as planned except for the absence of Suriya.

Vanangaan was originally backed by Suriya's 2D Entertainment. But the production banner confirmed that it is stepping out of the project.