It is well known that Silambarasan is currently filming for Arasan, Vetri Maaran's upcoming film from the world of Vada Chennai. The film is currently in its final leg of filming and also stars an ensemble cast which includes Vijay Sethupathi, Andrea Jeremiah and Samuthirakani, Kishore, Jibin Gopinath and Yogalakshmi. Post this, he has the untitled STR 51 by Dragon filmmaker Ashwath Marimuthu which is set to go on floors once Arasan is completed.
Now, reports are emerging that Silambarasan is set to act in director Keerthiswaran's sophomore film which will be immediately after Arasan. While an official confirmation is awaited, speculations are rife that three major production houses have shown interest in backing the project. Initially, the film was expected to be produced by Mythri Movie Makers. However, discussions are now underway with Sithara Entertainments and AGS Entertainment to take over the production.
Reportedly, pre-production is underway for the project with the film set to go on floors in August.
Arasan recently faced a brief setback amidst the escalation of a long-standing dispute between the actor and the Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu's producer, Ishari K Ganesh. After resolving them, the film resumed shoot at the end of April.
Andrea Jeremiah and Samuthirakani are reprising their roles from the Vada Chennai universe playing their iconic characters Chandra and Guna. Kishore too is expected to reprise his role. Although they exist in the same universe, Dhanush's character Anbu is not a part of Arasan. The film's screenplay is an iteration of the one the filmmaker had written for Vada Chennai when Silambarasan was in line to star in it. The makers describe it as “an untold tale from the world of Vada Chennai". According to the first promo, the film is set to feature Silambarasan in two avatars: as a youngster and as an aged man.
STR 51, which might get delayed if the Keerthiswaran project takes over, has Silambarasan playing 'God of Love'. In a recent event, Ashwath said, "The story explores the concept of sorgam (Paradise). In Dragon, we spoke about education and what happens when you make mistakes. In the same way, we will understand what paradise means. The film will not be preachy," he said, confirming Santhanam's casting in the film.