Kollywood actor Silambarasan (STR) who is already facing a red card from the Producer's Council, is in more trouble.
The producer and director of his last film, Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan (known as AAA) have come out with allegations about the actor's unprofessional behaviour.
In a press release, producer Michael Rayappan of Global Infotainment, has given a detailed account of how Silambarasan allegedly failed to turn up for shoots and caused him heavy losses.
The film, which released in June, bombed at the box office and received negative reviews from critics and movie-goers alike.
But the filmmakers have now claimed that the blame for the film's failure must squarely fall on the shoulders of its hero.
In a press conference, the producer told the media the following:
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a film called Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan with Simbu would push me into a miserable state like this. The minute he got the advance, he took all matters into his own hands.
He had promised me that the movie will begin in April and release for Deepavali. Several producers who had worked with him had warned me that he was not professional. But I believed the word he gave me because he was a big actor and I thought there were ulterior motives to the accusations. So I decided to fund the film. But the film that was supposed to start in April only began in July."
According to behindwoods.com, the producer claimed that Simbu kept changing the location for the shoots. In addition to this, several heroines, including Trisha who is known to be his friend and had starred with him in Gautam Menon's Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya refused to act with him. Finally, Shriya Saran reportedly agreed. But the actor allegedly followed this up with impossible conditions, including wanting to stay in a star hotel in Dindugul and refusing to shoot in public places.
What's more, he allegedly set the shooting dates and call sheet timings but failed to turn up for the shoots. "For the second schedule, we planned to travel to Dubai, but Simbu pointed out the hot climate in Dubai and asked us to shift the location to London. He delayed the shoot. After two months of talks, he finally agreed for Dubai. Then, he said that he would reduce his weight and come for the shoot. But he didn't do anything to reduce the weight. Without no other choice, with the same body physique, we shot Ashwin Thatha's portions in Chennai," the producer claims, as per reports.
The other actors in the film including Tamannaah, Kovai Sarala, Motta Rajendran and legendary actor Neelu were also allegedly inconvenienced by Simbu's behaviour.
According to director Adhik Ravichandran, STR further wanted to stop shooting and split the movie into two parts.
"When I realised things were getting out of hand, I wanted to stop the shooting. I told the producer that doing part 1 and part 2 for the movie will be a problem. But the producer spoke to him and said that things will be sorted out," said Adhik.
The final product, according to the filmmaker was a half baked film and a huge loss for the team.
"Even my reputation has taken a beating," admits the director.
While a red notice may have been served to the actor, the producer still remains dissatisfied. "I pray that no other producer should face these issues with Simbu that I faced. Please protect yourself," he reportedly said.
This is not the first time that allegations of this nature have been leveled against the actor.
Director Gautham Menon accused Simbu of not turning up for shoots on time for Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada as well.
The actor has now been cast by Mani Ratnam in his next film, which is a mutli-starrer. But with the red notice from the Producers' Council, there is a fair possibility that he may be replaced in the film.