Even as Silambarasan's Arasan continues to progress under director Vetri Maaran, fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on his much-hyped collaboration with Dragon director Ashwath Marimuthu, tentatively titled STR 51. With speculation surrounding the project's delay, producer Archana Kalpathi has now shed light on what is holding the film back.

The fantasy romantic comedy was announced last year with a glimpse introducing Silambarasan as the 'God of Love'. Earlier this year, Ashwath Marimuthu revealed that the film would explore the concept of "Paradise" without being preachy. He also confirmed Santhanam's casting, hinted at multiple female leads, and said the film would feature a fan-favourite music composer besides showcasing Simbu in a dance-heavy avatar after a long time.

Speaking to Touring Talkies, Archana Kalpathi revealed that STR 51 is expected to begin only after Ashwath Marimuthu completes his Rajinikanth-starrer Dharman. "Hopefully, next year. But we still don't know. It all depends upon when Ashwath completes Rajini sir's film," she said.

Dismissing speculation that Silambarasan's commitment to Arasan was the reason behind the delay, Archana clarified that scheduling was never an issue. "We don't have to wait until Simbu completes Arasan. The original plan was to shoot Arasan and STR 51 simultaneously," she explained.

Recalling her long-standing relationship with the actor, she added, "I have known Simbu since I was a child. My father and T Rajendar sir know each other very well. So it's not about Simbu's schedule. Ashwath needed time to write the story. Ashwath usually takes a lot of time to write, but once he finishes, there will be no changes in the script. He won't even add a scene while editing. I didn't have a single editing shot in Dragon. He edits on paper."

Archana further revealed that both her father and T Rajendhar encouraged Ashwath to take his time with the script, which eventually led to Silambarasan taking up Vetri Maaran's Arasan in the interim. "It was clarified with the Arasan production team that if STR 51 went on floors, Simbu would shoot for both films simultaneously," she said.

However, those plans changed after Ashwath landed the opportunity to direct Rajinikanth in Dharman. "When Ashwath got the opportunity to direct Dharman, none of us could say no. It's a great opportunity. So we are wholeheartedly waiting for him to complete the film, for it to become a blockbuster hit, and then to start STR 51," Archana added.