Ashwath Marimuthu has recently revealed that he was one of the directors considered for Thalaivar 173, the Rajinikanth-starrer produced by Kamal Haasan and now set to be helmed by Cibi Chakravarthy.

Speaking to Touring Talkies, the Dragon director first explained how he found the time to come up with a story for Rajinikanth amidst his commitments to Silambarasan for STR 51. "STR 51 is a big film with fantasy elements, and sometimes we get writer's block while penning a script. I was in one such deadlock, not being able to go beyond a certain point in that script. I was sure to do a film for Silambarasan sir, but my mind needed to do something else before coming back to this film," he explained.

Further, Ashwath recalled his narration session with Rajinikanth. "So I started working on another script for Rajinikanth sir. I worked on it for a month and then narrated it to sir. He loved it. During the interval block, he even forgot to have lunch and was so keen on finishing the narration. He called my script extraordinary and appreciated the story's villain. We even discussed casting for the villain. I almost got the opportunity to direct the film, but due to several other reasons, it didn't materialise then. Even RKFI heard the story but couldn't take it up. The film will happen in the future, for sure."

A fantasy rom-com, STR 51, was announced last year with a glimpse video that showed Silambarasan playing 'God of Love'. Following Arasan, Ashwath will start production for STR 51. The makers are yet to reveal the film's title, but the Oh My Kadavule filmmaker recently said that it would begin with 'I'. Details about the plot and extended cast of STR 51 have been kept under wraps.