STR to direct again after 14 years?

Post the success of Mani Ratnam’s Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, STR went on to sign a slew of projects, which are still in the pre-production stages. There was also an announcement that the actor was teaming up with Venkat Prabhu for a film titled Maanadu, which is touted to be a political thriller.

However, now we hear that STR has decided to direct a film after almost 14 years and has even finalised on the cast. Sources say that the film will go on floors in early 2020 once he completes Venkat Prabhu’s Maanadu. “STR is working on the script and he will be playing the lead as well. He is also in talks with his long-time friend Santhanam, to play a pivotal role in the film,” says an industry insider. It is worth noting that STR has earlier directed films like Manmadhan and Vallavan, which went on to make the cash registers ringing at the box office. When we tried to contact the actor to confirm the news, he wasn’t available for comment. However, a source close to the actor told DT Next, “As of now, STR is concentrating only on acting. He has already signed more than four films, which will take a lot of time for him to complete.” Meanwhile, we also hear that the actor will begin shooting for his upcoming gangster flick in the first week of June. Produced by KE Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green, the film also features Gautham Karthik as one of the leads. “Major portions of the film will be shot in Karnataka along with entire cast and crew. An official announcement will be made regarding the shoot schedule by the end of this month,” the source said.