Vanangaan: Director Bala reveals reason behind Arun Vijay replacing Suriya in the film

Director Bala, who is awaiting the release of his film Vanangaan, starring actor Arun Vijay in the lead role, is making a comeback to direction after five years. The film was first launched with actor Suriya, who has worked with the director in hit films like Pithamagan and Nandhaa. With Vanangaan scheduled to hit theatres on January 10, 2025, Bala opened up about why Suriya had to step out of the project and was replaced by Arun Vijay.

Bala explains why Suriya dropped out of Vanangaan

We had earlier reported that actor Bala is working on a Tamil film titled Vanangaan. For those who have been following the project know that the film was launched with Suriya in the lead role. The makers had also released the first look poster and shot some portions with the actor. However, in a turn of events, Suriya was replaced with actor Arun Vijay. The film is slated for theatrical release on January 10, 2025.

Also read: It’s a wrap for Bala’s Vanangaan, Arun Vijay calls it a ‘truly priceless experience’

In an interview, addressing Suriya's replacement, Bala confirmed that the actor leaving the project was a mutual decision taken by Suriya and Bala. "We thought of doing another film. It is very hard to shoot a film with Suriya in live locations, because of the crowd. We never took the decision one-sided. In fact, if I have made any mistake, Suriya has all the right to raise it to me. I have given that liberty to him,” the director said.

Who are all part of Vanangaan?

Apart from Arun Vijay, the film also stars Roshni Prakash, Samuthirakani, Mysskin, Ridha, Chhaya Devi, Bala Sivaji, Shanmugarajan, Yohan Chacko, Kavitha Gopi, Brindha Sarathy, Mai Pa Narayanan, Aruldas, Munish Sivagurunath and others.

Also read: Vanangaan First Look: Arun Vijay features in an intriguing avatar in Bala's film

The technical crew includes cinematographer RB Gurudev, with Sathish Suriya as the editor. RK Nagu is the art director of Vanangaan. GV Prakash is scoring the music for Vanangaan. Suresh Kamatchi has backed the film under V House Productions.