Reports say that Yogi Babu may replace Vadivelu in Imsai Arasan 24am Pulikesi. Shoot for the film stopped after Vadivelu allegedly had creative differences with director Chimbudeven.
Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi was a 2006 hit period comedy that launched Chimbudeven and established Vadivelu’s career as a lead actor. A sequel to the film, Imsai Arasan 24am Pulikesi was launched amidst a lot of fanfare in 2017.
According to a report in a Tamil daily, the first schedule of the film was dropped as Vadivelu had creative differences with the director. Later, after resolving the issue through the Producers’ Council, the actor agreed to work on the film. However, it is said that he did not turn up for shoot as promised, and the makers are now planning to offer Yogi Babu the role. An announcement regarding this is yet to come.
In 2018, a complaint against Vadivelu was filed with the Producers Council by director Shankar, the head of S Pictures. The Council attempted to mediate the dispute and consistently urged Vadivelu to get back on sets. When this failed, the Council asked the actor to pay an amount of Rs 9 crore to the producer for the loss incurred. This demand was not met by Vadivelu. Ultimately, this led the Council to blacklist the actor.
A spokesperson for Vadivelu said that while the actor has been made aware of the decision, the council has not communicated it to the actor directly. “We came to know about this through our media friends. As of now, there has been no official communication. But we are prepared to fight it legally, if the need ever arises,” he said.
The spokesperson reiterated the actor’s claims that creative differences were the reason for his decision to walk out. “From the beginning, there were no efforts to make sure that Vadivelu sir was comfortable on the sets. His personal costumer was replaced with a new designer and this did not sit well with him. When we persisted, they behaved very badly. That’s why he walked out.”
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Meanwhile, Yogi Babu is currently busy shooting for Dharma Prabhu, a fantasy comedy in which he plays Yaman. His other film Gurkha, directed by Sam Anton, wrapped up recently.
His upcoming films include Airaa, Shaitan Ka Bachcha, 100% Kadhal, Kuppathu Raja, Aalukku Paathi 50/50, Sathuranga Vettai 2, Adangathey, Nindru Kolvaan, and Maanik. He has also signed for a film directed by Balayya along with Muniskanth.