Chennai: Director Vetrimaaran’s much-anticipated film ‘Arasan’, starring Simbu in the lead, is reportedly in talks with actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu or Keerthy Suresh for the female lead role, according to industry sources.

The film’s title was officially announced on Tuesday by producer Kalaipuli S Thanu, whose V Creations is backing the project. Taking to X, Thanu wrote in Tamil: “Aalapirandha Arasan, Vetriyudan Silambarasan. #Vetri Maaran SilambarasanTR #STR49 #SilambarasanTR #VCreations47 #ARASAN. (The king who was born to rule, Victorious Silambarasan!)” He also shared the poster, featuring a man holding a machete with his hand on a bicycle carrier.

The announcement dispelled rumours that the project had been shelved. Earlier reports had suggested that financial hurdles and external pressures might force the film’s cancellation. However, sources confirmed to IANS that filming would proceed, with Simbu opting for a profit-sharing model rather than upfront remuneration.

In addition to Simbu, Andrea Jeremiah, Samuthirakani, and Kishore are confirmed in key roles.

Vetrimaaran had previously addressed speculation linking this project to ‘Vada Chennai 2’, clarifying that while ‘Arasan’ is set in the same universe as Vada Chennai, it is not a sequel. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “There is a lot of speculation if this will be 'Vada Chennai 2'. I want to clear that speculation as well. This is not Vada Chennai 2. What Dhanush acts in will be 'Vada Chennai 2'. However, this story will also be set in the world of 'Vada Chennai', which means certain aspects of that world will be there in this story as well. This story will also be in a similar timeline.”

IANS