After Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Shruti Haasan exits 'Chennai Story'
The India-UK collaboration, Chennai Story, is facing a setback in securing a female lead. Shruti Haasan, who was recently cast in this much-anticipated romantic comedy, has now departed from this project. This news comes on the heels of actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu's similar decision to leave the same film. The film—helmed by Philip John and co-starring Viveik Kalra—had just begun its first schedule with Haasan before her unexpected exit.
Why does this story matter?
Chennai Story is a romantic comedy based on Timeri N Murari's 2004 novel The Arrangements of Love. The plot reportedly revolves around a Tamil bisexual detective named Anu who assists a Welsh-Tamil man in his quest to find his father. Initially, Prabhu—who was on a year-long health-related break—was chosen for the lead role by the director himself. However, the plan could not fall into place; instead, she will next be seen in Citadel: Honey Bunny, opposite Varun Dhawan.
'Exited the film for reasons best known to her': Haasan
A source told Pinkvilla, "It was very recently Shruti started the first schedule of Chennai Story. However, now she has exited the film for reasons best known to her." Previously, while speaking to Variety, Haasan shared, "Collaborating with Phil (John) is something I'm so excited to experience, telling global and rooted stories through international collaboration is what making cinema is all about." Dominic Wright—producer and founder of Ripple World Pictures—had also expressed delight at Haasan joining the cast.
It would have been Haasan's second English film
Chennai Story would have marked Haasan's second venture into English cinema, following her 2023 release The Eye, where she shared the screen with Mark Rowley (Seven Kings Must Die). The British psychological thriller film directed by Daphne Schmon was screened at the London Independent Film Festival in October 2023. Coming back to Chennai Story, as of now, no replacement for Haasan has been announced.
Meanwhile, Haasan is occupied with these upcoming projects
As for her upcoming ventures, Haasan is in talks to play a pivotal role in Yash's anticipated film Toxic, although the cast is yet to be confirmed by the makers. Meanwhile, the actor-singer is also gearing up for her role in Dacoit, directed by Shaneil Deo and featuring Adivi Sesh. Notably, she was last seen in Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire, helmed by Prashanth Neel and featuring Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
