E4 Entertainments, the production house that is remaking the Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy in Tamil has now announced that Varmaa, helmed by award-winning filmmaker Bala, has been dropped.
An official release by the production house states, “E4 Entertainment has engaged B studios to recreate the Tamil version of Arjun Reddy titled as Varmaa, on a first copy basis, on the latter’s insistence. We at E4 Entertainment are not happy with the final version handed over to us and due to various creative and other differences, we have decided not to release this version.”
E4 Entertainments plans to shoot the entire film again with Dhruv in the lead but this time with a different cast and crew, including the director. “Instead we will start afresh, and shoot a new Tamil version of Arjun Reddy with Dhruv as the main lead by staying true to the soul and the intention of the original. Official announcements regarding the cast and crew including director will be made shortly,” the letter states.
Varmaa starring Dhruv Vikram and Megha Chowdhury was being directed by Bala and was intended to be Dhruv’s launchpad. Actor Vikram who made his big break with Bala’s Sethu in 1999 had expressed his excitement and gratitude to the director for choosing to launch his son in Tamil cinema.
Citing “creative differences” the Arjun Reddy remakers have also made it clear that Bala’s version of the film has strayed from its Telugu original. “Despite unfortunate turn of events which has cost us heavily, our love for wanting to see this cult film in Tamil has not diminished in any way. We will, therefore, work tirelessly as a new united team towards June 2019 release,” ends the letter.
Just a few days ago, news that the film’s February 14 release is being pushed to a later date was made. It was stated that the reason for this push in the release date was due to a delay in getting clearance from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). The film was expected to hit the screens by the end of March.
Filmmaker Bala is known for his filmmaking style. He has won 6 National Awards, 13 State awards, 15 Filmfare Awards and 14 International Festival Awards to name a few. Bala’s last film was Naachiyaar that released in 2018. He is also known for Pithamagan, Paradesi and Naan Kadavul.