Will the director-hunt for Thalapathy 65 end with Nelson Dilipkumar?

Chennai

Reflective of the global uncertainty in these extreme times, Thalapathy 65 is replete with uncertainties even before it goes on floors.

Post Bigil with Atlee, 'Thalapathy' Vijay turned his gaze to other young upcoming directors, hence his Master helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj materialised. The film's release too is yearning to see the light of the day.

It is Vijay's habit to listen to narrations for his next film while shooting for a film. Scores of directors including the early 2000s hit directors Vincent Selva (Director of Vijay's Priyamudan and Youth), Perarasu (Director of Thiruppachi and Sivakasi) were called by Vijay to narrate a script.

Fans kept wondering as to why is their star listening to narrations from 'field out' directors. But to their joy, the list also included Vetrimaaran, Magizh Thirumeni (who missed Thalapathy 64 by a whisker), Sudha Kongara.

Since, Sun Pictures is keen to invest in an out and out commercial film, both Vijay and Sun Pictures zeroed-in on AR Murugadoss. This decision elicited mixed response both in film and fan circles, those who were disappointed wanted Vijay to stop alternating between Atlee and Murugadoss, though his market grew leaps and bounds with their films, the trend became monotonous.

With Diwali 2021 as Thalapathy 65's release date, discontent simmered in the pre-production stage with Vijay unsatisfied with the second half of Murugadoss' script and sources said he insisted changes in it, while other sources allege Sun Pictures weren't happy with Murugadoss. That culminated in 'Thuppakki' director pulling out from the project.

Attention once again turned to Magizh Thirumeni as Vijay was mighty pleased with all the three lines narrated by him, but Magizh's prior commitment with Udhayanidhi yet again forced him out of the race. Perarasu was in the news for while, as he caters to the so-called B and C centre and they are Sun Pictures' target audience. But it never outgrew its rumour status.

It was said music composer Anirudh had suggested Nelson Dilipkumar to Vijay, Nelson has given a hit Kolamaavu Kokila and his to-be-released Doctor starring Sivakarthikeyan looks promising.

Talks are thick that Vijay was pleased with Nelson's script and he is raring to start the film. Vijay was displeased with the fact that 2020 is the only year since his launch in 1992 he didn't have a film released. He wants to give a double treat next year with two films (one is Master), hence this hurry.

Sun Pictures is truncating its budget --- to survive the covid-wreak of Kollywood --- and Vijay is keen to work with young talents. So Nelson Dilipkumar could possibly make the cut.