Director Ashwath Marimuthu recently created a buzz online after reports surfaced that he had narrated a story to Rajinikanth for Thalaivar173. However, the director himself has confirmed that his next film will be the Silambarasan TR starrer STR51.

Dragon director Ashwath Marimuthu to next direct Simbu in STR51

Director Ashwath Marimuthu was recently seen alongside other filmmakers during a round table interview with Sudhir Srinivasan. During the interaction, the Oh My Kadavule director revealed that he is currently writing the screenplay for his next project, which will be a Simbu starrer tentatively titled STR51.

The director said, “No matter who asks, the answer right now is the same, Simbu. I am currently writing the script for the film. He is shooting for Vetrimaaran sir’s Arasan, and towards the end of that schedule, we will begin filming our movie in parallel. It will be released next year.”

For those unaware, early speculation suggested that Ashwath was also in talks with Rajinikanth to helm his next project, tentatively titled Thalaivar173. The project was initially announced with director Sundar C at the helm, but due to prior commitments, the filmmaker opted out of the venture.

While an official update is expected to arrive by Pongal next year, speculation indicates that Parking fame Ramkumar Balakrishnan may direct the film. Interestingly, the filmmaker was initially supposed to collaborate with Simbu on a project as well.

Silambarasan TR’s work front

Silambarasan TR is currently filming his next movie, Arasan, directed by Vetrimaaran. The upcoming gangster action drama will be a spin-off set in the Vada Chennai cinematic universe. The director has confirmed that several characters from Vada Chennai will appear in the project.

While details about the plot remain under wraps, the movie will mark the first-ever collaboration between the actor and the director. Moreover, Anirudh Ravichander will compose the film’s music and background score.

Looking ahead, Simbu’s film with director Ashwath Marimuthu is touted to be a fantasy action romantic entertainer. His character is reportedly titled the God of Love, with the filmmaker emphasizing that the film will be in the vein of vintage STR movies.

The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, is slated for release on January 9, 2026, coinciding with Sankranti next year. As fans eagerly await the fantasy horror-comedy film, many are curious to know how much director Maruthi was paid for the massive venture. 

The Raja Saab: Director Maruthi paid Rs 18 crore for the film?

According to a report by Great Andhra, director Maruthi was paid Rs 18 crore for The Raja Saab. The filmmaker reportedly revealed the same during an interview with the news portal.

Maruthi clarified that the amount he received for the Prabhas starrer was due to his continuous work on the project for nearly three years. Reportedly, this remuneration is the highest he has received in his career so far.

More about The Raja Saab

The Raja Saab follows the story of a young man who is willing to take up any easy scheme to swindle money and live a prosperous life. In an attempt to overcome a financial crisis, he decides to sell his ancestral property, only to discover that the house is haunted by its former patriarch, his late grandfather. The narrative revolves around whether he manages to escape the horrific events that follow.

Apart from Prabhas, the film features Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Zarina Wahab, Samuthirakani, and several others in key roles.

As per reports, Maruthi had initially envisioned the film as a small-budget horror-comedy venture. However, over time, it evolved into a fantasy horror film, with the Saaho actor appearing in a lovable avatar.

Prabhas’ upcoming films

Prabhas is currently filming his next release, Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The cop action drama is said to feature the Rebel Star as an intense police officer, with Triptii Dimri as the female co-lead.

Vivek Oberoi is expected to play the main antagonist, while Prakash Raj will appear in a pivotal role.

Moreover, Prabhas has recently wrapped up work on his period drama Fauzi, directed by Hanu Raghavapudi.

Disclaimer: The aforementioned salary of the director is reported by (Great Andhra). In some cases, celebrities or their teams give their inputs too, which we incorporate if provided by them. We take all efforts to share possible accurate numbers, however unless otherwise mentioned they are all approximates. We are open to feedback and suggestions on editorial@pinkvilla.com.