Simbu’s back in the news again as the buzz around Maanaadu being revived with him in the lead (once more) has gained traction over the past two days. It is said that Simbu offered a truce when he called Suresh Kamatchi to wish the producer on his birthday. Sources in the know of things say that Simbu, who banks on his fans, presumed that they would back his decision to make Mahamaanaadu. He was in for a shock when many did not, and when memes and jokes targeting him began doing the rounds. He then suggested to the producer that they get back and restart the project.
Maanaadu is supposed to be a big-budget film, and when Simbu’s father, T Rajendar announced Mahamaanaadu at a massive budget of Rs 150 crore, the memes only increased. Suresh had put out a statement explaining why he took the call to make the film without Simbu (repeated delays for dates), and said the team is on the lookout for a new actor. A source in the production house said that the team had already spent close to Rs. 10 crore on the film, and if Suresh still decided to drop the project, it was only to prevent more money from going down the drain.
“Yes, Simbu has spoken to the producer, but it all depends on the call taken by Suresh and director Venkat Prabhu,” added the source.
Maanaadu also stars Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead, and was set to start in February 2019. In March this year, when there was no sign of the film going on floors, there was speculation that it was shelved, but producer Suresh clarified that Simbu was in the US to get in shape for the role. However, for undisclosed reasons, the film did not begin even after he returned. Simbu is currently shooting for director Narthan’s Mufti, in which he shares the screen with Gautham Karthik, and also has Maha with Hansika Motwani under production.
