Tamil actor Silambarasan TR and director Vetri Maaran have announced their first collaboration with the launch of a first-look poster for the film 'Arasan'. Produced by Kalaippuli S. Thanu, the project marks Silambarasan's entry into Vetri Maaran's gangster saga universe from Vada Chennai. The title, meaning 'king' in Tamil, hints at a story set in 1990s North Chennai.
The announcement of 'Arasan' brings together Silambarasan TR, often known as Simbu, and acclaimed director Vetri Maaran for the first time. Previously known by its tentative title 'STR 49', the film is backed by producer Kalaippuli S. Thanu, who earlier teamed up with Vetri Maaran and actor Dhanush for the 2019 hit 'Asuran'. The new poster features Silambarasan in a retro style, complete with a mullet hairstyle, evoking the 1990s era in North Chennai.
This project expands the gritty world established in Vetri Maaran's 2018 gangster drama 'Vada Chennai', which delved into rivalries in a North Chennai neighborhood. Vetri Maaran recently shared in a video that the idea stemmed from Thanu's suggestion to meet Simbu, leading to a swift agreement. He clarified ongoing rumors of a dispute with Dhanush, the original producer and intellectual property owner of 'Vada Chennai'.
"It was Thanu sir who suggested we meet Simbu. I met him immediately, and within a few hours, everything fell into place," Vetri Maaran stated. He noted that 'Vada Chennai 2' would feature Dhanush, but for 'Arasan', discussions with Dhanush allowed flexibility: either linking it to the existing universe or making it standalone. Dhanush granted a no-objection certificate without seeking payment, emphasizing collaboration over conflict.
"The day after I met Simbu, I spoke to Dhanush about this and told him we could go two ways with this film... He told me to do whatever is comfortable for me. He told me he would give NOC and said no money was needed," the director added. Vetri Maaran's most recent production was the coming-of-age drama 'Bad Girl', directed by Varsha Bharath and starring Anjali Sivaraman. 'Arasan' promises to continue exploring intense themes in Tamil cinema's evolving landscape.