'Kettavan' to 'Yohan': Five films in Kollywood that were shelved in the past

Many films have been releasing in Kollywood every year, and some get the excitement in fans high right from the time of their announcements because of the collaboration of the directors and the actors. However, not all the films that have been announced have made it to the silver screen. There have been several movies in the past that were dropped due to various reasons, right from conflicts between the actor and the director or producer to other issues. Here we look at five films in Kollywood from 'Kettavan' to 'Yohan' that were shelved in the past.

'Kettavan' was supposed to be the 25th film of Simbu, but the movie got dropped in the initial stages itself. While Simbu tried to revive the film after his 2011 movie 'Osthe' by even planning to direct it himself, it got shelved again. The film was rumored to be a more intense psychological thriller than Simbu's earlier release 'Manmadhan' and had become the most anticipated film of the star.

‘Mirattal’ was a movie that was nipped in the bud. AR Murugadoss, who had started his career with the Ajith-starrer 'Dheena', was unable to convince Ajith this time. The director had just tasted success with 'Ramana' at the time. The reason for Ajith to not agree to do this film was never revealed, and Ajith started to work on his other projects. AR Murugadoss then revised the script and went on to give a blockbuster film 'Ghajini' with Suriya. Meanwhile, 'Mirattal' has no connection with the 2012 film 'Mirattal' which starred Vinay Rai in the lead role.

'Puli' was said to be the dream project of director SJ Surya, and it was also supposed to be the director's second film with Vijay. SJ Surya had collaborated with Vijay for the 2000 film 'Kushi' which received a great response from the audience. Vijay, who was on the rise as a commercial entertainer, denied acting in SJ Surya's 'Puli' since the script did not match the commercial elements. But, Vijay then acted in a film with the same title 'Puli' in 2015 which was directed by Chimbu Devan.

After doing the films 'New' and 'Anbe Aaruyire' as an actor, SJ Surya teamed up with Simbu who gave super hit films 'Manmadhan' and 'Vallavan'. ‘AC Arunachalam vs Chithra’ was highly anticipated among the audience since both the stars were at top form in their fields. Asin was roped in to play the female lead and the initial photoshoots happened. But, director SJ Surya dropped the film since Simbu's 'Vallavan' was delayed for release.

The film was planned as a spy thriller surrounding a third-generation NRI who joins the CIA. Director Gautham Menon had also planned to create several sequels, each going around a different mystery in a different city. Even AR Rahman was to be the composer with Gautham Menon producing it himself. Unfortunately, Vijay felt that his fans would not be able to accept the film’s concept and at the last moment, the actor stepped back saying that the film would not fit his image.