Tamil Star Simbu Turns New Leaf, Focuses On Fitness And Choice Of Films

A hiatus teaches new tricks and treats to an artist. Silambarasan too needed this makeover, badly if he had to survive in Kollywood. After huge hits Manadu, Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya and Manmadhan, a noticeable slippage took place in his performance and choice of scripts. Simbu was quick to take action…worked on his body and appearance. More important…he signed up with director Vetri Maran for Arasan, a gangster film planned to be another Vada Chennai, Vetri Maran’s Hollywood style slick action movie. At one point the announcement that Vijay Sethupathi (a Vetri Maran’s stable staple) as heft for Arasan, raised the expectation quotient of fans. But suddenly Sethupathi opted out of this Rs 500 crore project. With Anirudh providing music, and a strong script, Sethupathi won’t be missed. Simbu’s next is God of Love, a counterpoint to gangster violence and vitriol. The movie, a romantic fantasy from the AGS stable, is temporarily titled STR 51. This soft avatar and its direction by Ashwath Marimuthu has raised the stock of God of Love considerably. Fans of Marimuthu may remember Dragon and Oh My Kadavule that left a lasting impression. Archana Kalpathi from the production house is optimistic that the film’s four dances of Simbu would definitely bring back his crackling electric presence with stylish dance moves. But what raised curiosity is the news of Bollywood star Mrunal Thakur as leading lady for Simbu. Tamil mags website even flashed photos of the pair, which went missing the next day. Are you trying to connect Simbu’s pairing with Mrunal and the sizzling news of a Dhanush Mrunal wedding? Dhanush and Simbu were teen friends till he married Aishwaraya, Rajinikanth’s daughter. What’s intriguing about real life links and film casting? The God Of Love title could just be a hit or miss.