Gautham Menon hasn’t wooed the producers, Sivaji Films, enough to direct Ajith’s next. The guessing game is on as to who will direct it now Other directors in the list of probables include Kireedam Vijay, Darani and VIshnuvardan of Billa fame

IN a sudden turn of events, director Gautham Menon, who was supposed to directAjith’s next movie, which will be produced by Sivaji Films, will not be doing the movie.

Gautham Vasudev Menon and Sivaji films had inked the deal a while ago to do a project together next, with Ajith and Sameera Reddy as the lead pair. However, the not-too-impressive results of Ajith’s Deepavali release Aegan seem to be the reason the producers have hit the panic button. The producers have now cited a poor script as the reason to terminate the deal with Gautham Menon.

“I will not be doing Ajith’s next movie. It is because the producers were not happy with the script I offered,” confirms Gautham Menon, even as he waits for the release of his Vaaranam Aayiram this Friday.

It is believed that Sivaji Films is insist ing on going to floors this year end, and with Gautham busy with Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikaalam as well, he had not been able to come up with a script that can be worked on immediately .

Topping the list of probable directors is director Vishnuvardhan, who had directed Ajith’s Billa and is currently working on Arya’s Sarvam. Director Darani, who hasn‘t begun any project after Kuruvi is also said to be in the list of directors.

Kireedam Vijay , who was said to be doing Ajith’s next project a while ago, is also in the fray. Venkat Prabhu, who is actually a good friend of the Ultimate Star, will be directing Ajith’s 50 film, and is not expected to do this film. He was the original choice for Ajith’s 49th film, but discussions between him and Sivaji Films had fizzled out and he working on his movie with Ocher Films, Goa, now.

While the Ajith-Gautham combo had risen hopes of a slick and stylish film for Thalai’s fans, it now remains to be seen what Thalai’s next move will be.

The producers, Sivaji Films, are expected to return to Chennai today, and a decision will be taken in a couple of days.

—Sharadha Narayanan
msharadha@epmltd.com

Source: The New India Express (Dated November 11 2008)