Chennai, March 31 – If sources in the industry are to be believed, the shooting of director Vetrimaran's highly anticipated action entertainer, "Arasan," featuring actor Silambarasan (aka Simbu) in the lead role, is likely to be completed by the first week of June this year.
Sources close to the film's unit also say that actress Priyanka Arul Mohan will join the sets from April 2 this year. They say that the makers are aiming for a Diwali release.
It may be recalled that actor Silambarasan had joined the sets of the film and resumed shooting for the eagerly awaited action drama from March 17 this year. A picture of Silambarasan on the film's set had generated significant excitement on social media.
Actors Vikranth and child artiste Kamalesh, who impressed with his performance in the blockbuster "Tourist Family," have been roped in for the film, and they will also be seen shooting for the film in this schedule, which is progressing at a brisk pace.
Sources hint that the schedule is quite long. They say that several scenes featuring actor Vijay Sethupathi will also be shot in this schedule.
It may be recalled that well-known producer Kalaipuli S Thanu, whose production house V Creations is producing this film, had earlier this year disclosed that Silambarasan, fondly referred to as "Simbu" by his fans, had only recently returned to India after his brief holiday in a foreign country, and that the next schedule of the film would begin in March.
Thanu had also confirmed that Vijay Sethupathi was indeed part of the project, and that reports claiming he was not in the film were false. The producer also confirmed that scenes featuring Vijay Sethupathi along with Simbu would be shot in the upcoming schedule.
The film's unit had wrapped up its first schedule, which was taking place in Kovilpatti, on December 21 last year.
The film has generated significant expectations for several reasons. Firstly, it is the first time that Simbu and acclaimed director Vetri Maran are working together. Secondly, the film is being produced by one of Tamil cinema's top producers, Kalaipuli S Thanu. What has added to the excitement is that the makers recently announced that actor Vijay Sethupathi had been roped in for the project.
A promo for the film that was released by the makers last year begins with director Nelson appearing in it.
Simbu tells director Nelson that what he is about to tell him is true. The killers, the victims, the names and places are all real. But then, he urges Nelson not to show it as it is, and asks him to put a disclaimer in his film. "I'm saying this only because most of the cases about which I am going to tell you are still under trial," he says, adding that if what he says comes out, not only "innocent" people like him, but also several lawyers, politicians, police officers, and even judges will be in trouble.
Even as Simbu says this, the makers of "Arasan" put out a disclaimer.
"If you put out a disclaimer, even if the incidents shown in the film are true, no one can question you," he tells a now nervous Nelson. He then says that it is his case that is coming up for hearing next, and that he will return and explain in detail.
He goes into court, and on his way to the courtroom, is coached by his lawyer. Once he takes the stand, the judge tells him that the police have charged him with committing three murders in one night, and asks him if he pleads guilty. To this, Simbu replies that he has nothing to do with the murders. However, the scenes shown next show that he is the one who hacked the victims to death...
The promo makes it clear that this will be an untold story from the world of "Vada Chennai." It may be recalled that it was only recently that the makers announced the title of the film as "Arasan."
Vetrimaran's film with Simbu will also feature Samuthirakani, Andrea Jeremiah, and Kishore in key roles. The music for the film is being composed by Anirudh.