Producer Archana Kalpathi has cleared the air on what is holding back STR 51, the fantasy romantic comedy featuring Silambarasan and directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. Speaking to Touring Talkies, she confirmed that the delay has nothing to do with Silambarasan's commitment to Arasan — the original plan was always to shoot both films simultaneously. The real reason is that Ashwath is currently occupied with Dharman, his Rajinikanth-starrer.

"When Ashwath got the opportunity to direct Dharman, none of us could say no. It's a great opportunity. So we are wholeheartedly waiting for him to complete the film, for it to become a blockbuster hit, and then to start STR 51," she said, adding that the project is now expected to begin "hopefully, next year."

Archana also shed light on Ashwath's working style, saying the director takes time with his scripts but never changes anything once locked. "He edits on paper. I didn't have a single editing shot in Dragon," she said, noting that both her father and T Rajendhar encouraged the director to take the time he needed with the script.

STR 51 was announced last year with a glimpse introducing Silambarasan as the God of Love, promising a fantasy rom-com with a dance-heavy avatar for the actor and Santhanam in the cast.