STR: Mani Ratnam Trusted My Work Ethic Even After Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan’s Failure

Despite his immense talent, STR aka Simbu is still perceived as a 'problem child', due to his issues with punctuality. He is often accused of not reaching the shooting spots on time, causing financial losses and other disruptions. His alleged non-cooperation during the shoot of his last release, Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan (AAA) in 2017, led to various production issues, with the film eventually flopping. Following that, STR went through a tough phase – his future as an actor appeared uncertain due to complaints registered against him by AAA's producer.

The actor stepped away from the limelight to get back in shape and mend his ways. His efforts bore fruit when, against all expectations, he landed a role in Mani Ratnam's Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (CCV). He continued to make all the right moves, having recently wrapped the shooting of CCV in Serbia. He is expected to complete dubbing for the film by the end of June.

Towards the end of the year, STR will reunite with his favourite director, Gautham Menon, for a film said to be the sequel to the much-loved Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya

STR has also reportedly signed with leading production houses for back-to-back projects. After Veeram and Bairavaa, Vijaya Productions will produce the star's 34th film. Towards the end of the year, he will reunite with his favourite director, Gautham Menon, for a film with Lyca Productions, which is said to be the sequel to the much-loved Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya (VTV). Titled Vinnaithaandi Varuvein, the film's music will be scored by A.R. Rahman. Reports suggest that Madhavan will also be part of this sequel, but this is yet to be confirmed. Gautham is expected to complete Dhruva Natchathiram and Enai Noki Paayum Thota by the time he takes up this film.

Kalaipuli S. Thanu's V Creations is also expected to produce a film with STR next year. The two had collaborated on the successful Thotti Jaya in 2005.

STR will also complete his directorial venture, which he had announced earlier. Not only will he produce the film, said to be in English, he'll also play the lead role. Its crew comprises Yuvan Shankar Raja, Santosh Sivan and Anthony, with Gautham Menon writing the dialogues.

After wrapping up CCV, STR put out an elaborate video, indicating that he was content. "I thank Mani sir for entrusting me with this great opportunity. It has been a fantastic experience working with a legend of his stature and all the other fabulous actors in the film like Arvind Swami, Arun Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi, Jyothika, Aishwarya Rajesh, Mansoor Ali Khan and my pair in the film, debutante Dayana Erappa. From a young age, I've been seeing Mani sir's films; I badly wanted to act in Anjali but missed out. After the failure of AAA and all the issues that followed, he still trusted my talent and work ethic, and gave me this film. I will forever be thankful to him. I'm sure that I'll make him proud and not disappoint him. I sometimes wonder how CCV was completed so quickly!"

I love cinema. I don't know anything else, said the actor in a video he put up  

He also added that his issues with time management are a thing of the past. "For those saying that I don't respect my work, I'll just say that I love cinema. I don't know anything else! There were days when Mani sir kept the first shot at 7 in the morning. It's very tough for me to wake up that early but I made it to the spot on time. I assure you all that I'll be punctual for all my future films too. I don't want to put others in trouble by turning up late; I'm not a selfish person. I've already changed myself in that regard."

With so many projects in his kitty, the future seems promising for STR and his numerous fans.