Actor Silambarasan and Parking-fame director Ramkumar Balakrishnan were slated to collaborate on a film that was tentatively titled STR49. Initially, production of the film was halted, and Silambarasan moved on to other projects, including Vetrimaaran's Arasan. Now, the film's producer has confirmed that the film has been shelved.
The film was meant to be backed by Aakash Baskaran, under his Dawn Pictures banner. As producer, has previously bankrolled Idli Kadai and Parasakthi. Recently, he made his directorial debut with Idhayam Murali, which was also produced under his home banner. In a recent interview on Chai with Chitra, the director-producer put an end to rumours about reviving the film.
He said, "Silambarasan sir has some issues with the script. So his film with Ramkumar Balakrishnan has been dropped." Furthermore, the production banner has another film under its kitty—Dhanush's D56 with Tamilarasan Pachamuthu of Lubber Pandhu fame.
Speaking about that film, Aakash added, "This film is very much on track, and we will commence production soon. In fact, we have even sold the film's OTT rights. Dhanush films have a great OTT market." Dhanush is expected to begin shooting for this film after D55, helmed by Rajkumar Periasamy.
Interestingly, D56 was initially a collaboration between Dhanush and Mari Selvaraj, with Vels Film International on board as producers. However, that film has been delayed and the Tamilarasan Pachamuthu film has become D56. The film will mark Aakash Baskaran's second collaboration with Dhanush.
Aakash Baskaran's Idhayam Murali stars Atharvaa, Kayadu Lohar, Preity Mukhundhan, Fahadh Faasil, Dravid Selvam, Rakshan, Sudhakar, Niharika, Thaman, and Angeline, among others. The film hit theatres on July 10 and opened to largely positive reviews. The film has earned more than Rs 20 crore at the box office in India alone.
