Suriya moves on from Vanangaan, to produce with Bala at the helm

CHENNAI: National award-winning director Bala on Sunday said in an official statement that Suriya has decided to opt out of Vanangaan after a discussion with him. However, the latter would continue to be part of the project by bankrolling the film under his 2D Entertainment banner and another actor would headline the movie.

"I commenced Vanangaan with Suriya in the lead role. However, after some tweaks in the script, I now doubt if the story would suit him. Suriya had a lot of faith in me as well as the script. As an elder brother, I should live up to his expectations and not let him down," Bala said in the statement.

The director added that after a discussion, Suriya and him mutually agreed that it was best for the National-award winning actor to opt out of the project. "Though Suriya is upset, this is the best decision. You will see him as the Suriya I saw in Nandha and as a Suriya you saw him in Pithamagan when we come together again," he added.

Vanangaan started in Rameswaram and the team had completed a couple of schedules. This announcement has put Suriya's fans in shock and has left them disappointed.

The film has Kriti Shetty and Mamitha Baiju as female leads. GV Prakash will compose the music.