Red card for Simbu yet again from TFPC?

Despite being acknowledged as a talented actor, Simbu’s always been battling charges of lack of professionalism and being absent from the sets. However, last year, Simbu signed Chekka Chivantha Vaanam directed by Mani Ratnam and was lauded for his punctuality by the director and his co-stars. Believing that Simbu has mended his ways, many filmmakers including Gautham Menon and Rathna Siva signed projects with the actor. While the remake of Mufti that has Simbu and Gautham Karthik in lead roles went on floors, there is no news ab out Venkat Prabhu’s Maanadu that was originally scheduled to go on floors in December. The latest we hear is that the actor is back to square one and has put his producers and directors in a spot. A source close to the unit of Mufti remake told DT Next, “It has been difficult to deal with Simbu. On the first day of the shoot, over 300 people assembled on the sets, Simbu didn’t show up. We incurred a loss of Rs 42 lakh. Whenever we call him for our upcoming schedules, he demands Rs 25 lakh for no reason. It is Simbu, who has to pay Rs 42 lakh before we start the second schedule.”

Sources said that the makers of Maanadu have decided to approach Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council (TFPC) and lodge a complaint against the actor. Though the producer of the film Suresh Kamatchi denied the news, a source close to the unit told us that the film has been delayed because of Simbu. Hence, the director has decided to move on and rope in another actor in the lead role.